WAnUAb of 3doratiob 



MAR 7 1891 




502. Serz &Co. Edits..¥iirriberg XWdel. 

ItaEDICTUM SIT SANCTIS SMJM SACRAMMTTJM. 



Hboration 



of tbe 



fIDoet Blesseb Sacrament 



BY A 

BENEDICTINE, CONCEPTION, MO. 
Permissu Superiorum. 





FEB 121898 



ST. LOUIS, MO. 
Published by B. HERDER, 

17 South Broadway. 



MP* 



NIHIL OBSTAT. 

Fro win us, 
Abbas Neo-Angelo-Moutanus. 



IMPRIMATUR. 

Mauritius, 

Bishop of St. Joseph. 

2543 



Copyright 1897, 
By Jos. Gummersbach. 
All rights reserved 



— B EC KTO LD — 

PRINTING AND BOOK MFG. CO. 
ST. LOUIS, A\0. 



U. I. O. G. D. 



PREFACE. 



HE love and devotion towards the most 
blessed Sacrament is happily spread- 
ing and increasing also in these United 
States. The Encharistic League, the Per- 
petual Adoration , the various Associations 
in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, are 
steadily gaining in membership. 

Several parties having made us sugges- 
tions to that effect, we hereby present to 
the pious adorers of our Eucharistic Grod a 
Manual that may be useful to them. We 
have endeavored to adapt it as much as 
possible to the liturgy of the Church. Its 
arrangement follows the order of her seasons 
and feasts. Most of the prayers are from 




VI 



Co)) tents. 



Contents, 



Advent 1 

Christmas-Tide - - 24 

Holy Name of Jesus 44 

The Holy Season of Lent 64 

Penance 64 

Passion of Christ 89 

The Cross and the holy Wounds of Christ ... Ill 

Eucharistie Way of the Cross 133 

Easter-Tide 160 

Rogation-Days 178 

Ascension of Our Lord. 204 

Whitsunday t 220 

Trinity Sunday 242 

Corpus Christi 26? 

The Institution and Nature of the Most 

Blessed Sacrament 267 

Lessons taught by Christ in the Most Blessed 

Sacrament 290 

Various Prayers to the Most Blessed Sacra- 
ment 310 

Feast ok the Sacred Heart of Jesus 328 

Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary 349 

The Prerogatives of the Blessed Virgin 349 

Various Prayers to the Blessed Virgin 370 

In honor of the Sorrowful Mother.. 395 

Feasts of St. Joseph 418 

Feasts of the holy Angels 446 

Feasts of the Saints 472 

The Poor Souls 492 

Preparation for Death 516 



Contents, vn 

LITANIES. 

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus 57 

Litany of the Passion of Christ 104 

Litany of the Holy Wounds of Christ 126 

Litany of the Saints 192 

Litany of the Holy Ghost 235 

Litany of the Blessed Trinity 260 

Litany of the Blessed Sacrament 285 

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 342 

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Mary 365 

Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows 412 

Litany of St. Joseph 438 

Litany of the Holy Angels 464 

Litany of the Faithful Departed 510 

Litany for a happy Death 537 

APPENDIX. 

Daily Prayers 547 

Morning Prayers 547 

The Angelus 550 

Meal Prayers 551 

Short Indulgenced Prayers 552 

Evening Prayers 555 

Mass Prayers 559 

The Asperges 559 

The Ordinary of Mass 560 

Other Prayers for Mass 586 

Method of Assisting at Holy Mass, by St. 

Leonard of Portu Mauritio 601 

Prayers for Confession 607 

Prayers for Holy Communion 619 



VIII 



Contents. 



Blpbabetical Ifn&ex of Seasons 
anb jfeasts, 

The numbers placed after the feast indicate the page on which the 
Hour-Prayers, suitable for the Festival, can be found. 



Advent 1 

Angels, feasts of the holy 446 

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin . 349 ; 370 

Apostles, feasts of the holy 472 

Ascension of Our Lord 204 

Ash- Wednesday 67 ; 89 ; 516 

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 370 

Blessed Virgin Mary, feasts of the 349 ; 370 

Blood of Christ, feast of the Precious Ill ; 133 ; 89 

Christmas 24 

Christmas-Tide 24; 44 

Circumcision of our Lord 44 

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 349 

Corpus Christi 267 ; 290 ; 310 

Cross, feasts of the holy Ill ; 133 

Crown of Thorns of Our Lord, feast of the holy 89; 111; 133 

Easter-Sunday 160 

Easter-Tide 160 

Ember-Days 64; 516 

Epiphany of Our Lord 24 ; 44 

Exaltation of the holy Cross Ill ; 133 

Finding of the holy Cross Ill ; 133 

First Friday of the month 328 

Good Friday Ill ; 133 ; 89 

Guardian Angels, feast of the holy 446 

Heart of Jesus, feast of the Sacred 328 

Heart of Mary, feast of the Sacred 349 ; 370 



Contents. 



IX 



Help of Christians, feast of Mary 370 

Holy Ghost, in honor of the 220 

Holy Thursday 267; 133 

Holy Saturday Ill ; 133 

Holy Week 89; 111; 133 

Holy Wounds of Christ, feast of the Ill ; 89 

Jesus, Holy Name of 44 

Jesus, Sacred Heart of 328 

Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M 349 

Joseph, feasts of Saint 418 

Lance and Nails of Our Lord Ill ; 89 

Lent, the holy Season of 64 ; 89 ; 133; 516 

Mark, the feast of St,.. 472. Rogation Day 198 

Mary, the Blessed Virgin, feasts of 349; 370 

Mount Carmel, feast of Our Lady of 370 

Name of Jesus 44 

Name of the Blessed Virgin 370 ; 349 

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin 349; 370 

New Year's Day 44 ; 24 

Octave of any festival, same as on the feast. 

Palm Sunday 64 ; 89 ; 111 ; 133 

Passion of Christ 89; 111 ; 133 

Patronage of the Blessed Virgin 370 

Patronage of St. Joseph 418 

Pentecost Sunday 320 

Precious Blood of Christ Ill ; 89; 133 

Presentation of the B. V. M 349; 370 

Poor Souls 492 

Rogation-Days 198 

Rosary of the B. V. M., feast of the holy 370 

Saints, feast of any or all 472 



x Contents. 

St. Andrew, Ap 472 

St. Anna, Wid 472 

St. Barnabas, Ap 472 

St. Bartholomew, Ap. 472 

St. Benedict, Abb 472 

St. Dominic, Conf 472 

St. Francis, Conf 472 

St. Gabriel, Arch. ... 446 

St. Gregory the Great, P. D 472 

St. James, Ap , 472 

St. Joachim, Conf 472 

St John, Ap 472 

St. John Bapt 472 

St. Joseph 418 

St. Lawrence, M 472 

SS. Simon and Jude, Ap 472 

St. Luke, Ev 472 

St. Martin, B 472 

St. Matthew, Ap 472 

St. Matthias, Ap 472 

St. Michael, Arch 446 

St. Paul, Ap 472 

SS. Peter and Paul, Ap 472 

SS. Philip and James, Ap 472 

vSt. Raphael, Arch 446 

St. Stephen, M 472 

Seven Dolors B. V. M 395 

Sacred Heart Friday 328 

Sacred Heart of Jesus ... 328 

Transfiguration of Christ 310 

Trinity Sunday 242 

Visitation B. V. M 370 

Whit-Sunday , , 220 



XI 



prater before tbe Bboration^lbour* 

Open my mouth, HE* 0 Lord! to bless thy 
holy name; cleanse my heart from all vain, 
evil and distracting thoughts; enlighten my 
understanding, inflame my will, that I may 
worthily recite this office, with attention 
and devotion, and may deserve to be heard 
in the presence of thy divine Majesty. 
Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

0 Lord ! in union with that divine intention 
with which thou didst praise God on earth, 
and now dost praise him in the blessed 
Sacrament, I offer thee these prayers — for 
my own poor soul — that I may never 
commit a mortal sin — that I may live a 
more perfect life — that my devotion to 
the blessed. Sacrament may daily increase — 
that I may truly venerate the blessed Vir- 
gin — that I may have a special love for 
St. Joseph. 

For my parents — for my relations — for 
my benefactors — for my friends — for the 
needs and wants of holy Church — for our 
common father, the Pope — for our Bishop 
— for the clergy of this diocese — for the 
clergy of this parish — for my Pastor — for 
the members of our congregation — for the 
members of the Perpetual Adoration — for 
the conversion of sinners, heretics, and 



XII 



heathens — for the children, that they may 
preserve their holy innocence — for the 
young men and women, that they may live 
piously and chastely, and choose that state 
of life to which they are called — for the 
married people, that they may faithfully 
fulfill their duties — for those that are 
tempted, that they may overcome their 
temptations — for the poor, the troubled, 
and the sick, that they may bear their cross 
patiently — for the dying, that God may 
give them a happy hour of death — for the 
poor souls in purgatory, that they may find 
eternal rest. 

In honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — 
the Blessed Virgin — the Immaculate Con- 
ception — St. Joseph — the holy Angels — 
the Patron of this parish etc. 

prater after tbe Bboration^lbour* 

To the most holy and undivided Trinity, 
to the humanity of our Lord crucified, to 
the spotless maternity of the most blessed 
and glorious ever Virgin Mary, and the 
whole assembly of the Saints, be everlasting 
praise, honor, power, and glory, from every 
creature, and to us forgiveness of all our 
sins for ever and ever. Amen. — Our Father. 
■ — Hail Mary. 



XIII 



Commemorations. 

These are said at the end of each Hour; not however on 
great festival days, nor within their Octaves. 

©f tbe Blessed IDirgtn /IDat£* 

Holy Mary ! be thou a help to the helpless, 
a strength to the fearful, a comfort to the 
sorrowful; pray for the people, plead for 
the clergy, make intercession for all women 
vowed to God ; may all feel thine assistance 
who keep thy holy remembrance. 

y. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of Grod! 

Tfy. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

Grrant, 0 Lord Grod! we beseech thee, 
that we, thy servants, may rejoice in con- 
tinual health of mind and body ; and through 
the glorious intercession of blessed Mary 
ever Virgin, be freed from present sorrow 
and enjoy eternal gladness. 

©f St 5osepb* 

Behold a faithful and wise servant, whom 
the Lord hath set over his household. 

y. Grlory and riches shall be in his house. 

1^. And his justice endureth for ever and 
ever. 



XIV 



LET US PEAY. 

0 Grod! who, by thine unspeakable pro- 
vidence, didst vouchsafe to choose blessed 
Joseph to be the spouse of thy most holy 
mother: mercifully grant that, as we vener- 
ate him for our protector on earth, we may 
be found worthy to be aided by his inter- 
cession in heaven. Amen. 



O Lord! thou vrilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O God! incline unto my aid. 

J^. O Lord! make haste to help me. 

Glory he to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost. 

As it was in the beginning, is now, and 
ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Bborattoru 

Come, let us adore the King our Lord 
who is to come. 

The Lord is now nigh. Come, let us 
adore him. 

Let us adore the Saviour of the world, 
whom the nations desired. 

Come, let us thank and praise him for 
the mystery of his holy Incarnation. 

Glory be to Jesus Christ who has appeared 
amongst us. 

(i) 



2 



ADVENT. 



Come, let us adore Mm in the most holy 
Sacrament of the Altar. 

Come, let us with all the Angels and 
Saints sing to him: 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord G-od of Hosts ! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation, 

The time is come; the prophecies are 
fulfilled ; the Holy One has appeared ; 
the Word is made flesh, that the flesh may 
be cleansed; that sin may disappear and 
justice and peace reign upon earth. 

Thy coming, O divine Lord! O Sun of 
Justice! should have dispelled darkness; 
but man loved darkness more than the light. 

Thou, O Lord! the light of the world, 
becamest man and art yet daily descending 
from heaven upon the altar ; renewing the 
mystery of thy holy Incarnation ; really and 
truly dwelling amongst us. Alas! people 
do not know thee, and remain blind. 

O Grod! forgive us; we have sinned 
against thee; and we are become as one 
unclean, and we have all fallen as a leaf; 
and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken 
us away. 



ADVENT. 



3 



0 Lord! see the affliction of thy people, 
and send him whom thou hast promised to 
send. Send forth the lamb, the ruler of 
the earth, that he himself may take off the 
yoke of our captivity. 

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, 
and let the clouds rain down the Just One. 

Maker of the stars above ! 
The light by which the faithful move ; 
Jesus, Saviour, Lord of all! 
Hearken to thy people's call. 

When our nature fainting lay, 
Crushed by Satan's cruel sway, 
Blest Physician! 'twas thy love 
Brought us healing from above. 

In the blessed Mary's womb 
Purest flesh thou didst assume, 
That to Grod above might rise 
The all-holy sacrifice. 

Unto heaven exalted now, 
At thy sacred name shall bow 
All that on the earth do dwell, 
All in heaven and all in hell. 



4 



ADVENT. 



Thou who, on the judgment day, 
Our most secret thoughts wilt weigh, 
Shield us now with pitying care, 
Guard us from temptation's snare. 

Honor, glory, love and praise 
Be through never-ending days, 
To the Father and the Son m 
And the Spirit, Three in One. 

Zfoz 3o£ of Bbvent* 

May the sun, and stars, and land, and 
sea sound forth the coming of the most 
high God. 

May the rich and the poor unite their 
songs of praise to the Son of the supreme 
Creator. 

He is the Saviour promised to our fathers : 
the glorious offspring of the Virgin; the 
Son of the mighty God, born of him before 
the morning star. 

He is the King of glory and is coming to 
rule as God over kings; to trample our 
wicked enemy beneath his feet, and heal 
this sick world of our's. 

Let the Angels rejoice; let all nations 
exult. He that is high is coning in lowli- 
ness, to save what had been lost. 



ADVENT. 



5 



A God-Man is born. The Son, co-eternal 
with the Father, our Lord descends upon 
earth. 

Let the prophets cry out and prophesy : 
u Emmanuel is nigh unto us." Let the 
tongues of the dumb speak, and ye, poor 
lame ones, run to meet him. 

Let the lamb and the wild beasts feed 
with each other; let the ox and the ass 
know him that lies in the manger. 

Oh, the blessed message sent to the Virgin 
Mary! By believing she conceives; she is 
a Mother and a Virgin knowing not man. 

All ye nations and peoples applaud this 
grand triumph. 

Let the eyes of the blind who have been 
sitting in darkness now learn to throw off 
the night, and open to the true light. 

Let Galilee and Greece, Persia and Judea, 
receive the faith. A God deigns to become 
man and remains the Word with the Father. 

Praise, honor, power, and glory be to 
the Vford made man, and ever since living 
amongst us in the most holy Sacrament of 
the Altar. 



6 



ADVENT. 



£be propbeciea of tbe ©it) Testament. 
!♦ Usatas* 

"The Lord himself shall give you a sign: 
Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a 
son , and his name shall be called Em- 
manuel." (7, 14.) 

CANTICLE OF THANKSGIVING. 

I will give thanks to thee, 0 Lord! for 
thou wast angry with me: thy wrath is 
turned away and thou hast comforted me. 

Behold! Grod is my Saviour. I will deal 
confidently and will not fear: because the 
Lord is my strength and my praise, and he 
is become my salvation. 

You shall draw waters with joy out of 
the Saviour's fountains. 

And you shall say in that day : praise ye 
the Lord, and call upon his name; make 
his inventions known among the people; 
remember that his name is high. 

Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath done 
great things : show this forth in all the earth. 

Rejoice and praise, O thou habitation of 
Sion! for great is he that is in the midst of 
thee, the Holy One of Israel. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, 
and let the clouds rain the Just One. 



ADVENT. 



7 



Let the earth be opened, and bud forth 
the Saviour. 

LET US PKAY. 

Exert, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! thy 
power, and come, that by thy protection 
we may be freed from the imminent danger 
of our sins, and be saved by thy mercy. 

0 Lord! who didst not only assume flesh 
at thy holy Incarnation, but art ever since 
daily descending from heaven upon our 
altars, give us the grace, always worthily to 
receive and adore thee, who livest with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost from eternity 
to eternity. Amen. 

2* Seremias* 

u In those days shall Juda be saved, and 
Israel shall dwell confidently, and this is 
the name they shall call him: "The Lord 
our Just One. 77 (23, 6.) 

THE CANTICLE. 

Hear the word of the Lord, all ye nations, 
and declare it in the islands that are afar 
off, and say: u he that scattereth Israel will 
gather him: and he will keep him as the 
shepherd doth his flock. 77 

For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and 
delivered him out of the hand of one that 
was mightier than he. 



8 



ADVENT. 



And they shall come and give praise on 
mount Sion, and they shall flee together 
to the good things of the Lord, and their 
soul shall be as a watered garden, and they 
shall be hungry no more. 

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, 
the young men and the old men together: 
and I will turn their mourning into joy, 
and will comfort them and make them 
joyful after their sorrow. 

And I will fill the soul of the priests with 
fatness ; and my people shall be filled with 
good things, saith the Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, 
and let the clouds rain the Just One. 

Let the earth be opened, and bud forth 
the Saviour. 

LET US PKAY. 

Stir up, 0 Lord! our hearts to prepare 
the ways of thy only begotten Son, that by 
his coming we may be enabled to serve thee 
with pure mind. 

Give us the grace, 0 Lord ! always worthily 
to receive thee in the holy Communion, to 
live in and with thee, who art God with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, in all eternity. 
A men, 



ADVENT. 



9 



3. EsecbteL 

"And I will set up one shepherd over 
them, and he shall feed them, even my 
servant David; he shall feed them and he 
shall be their shepherd, and I, the Lord, 
will be their (rod, and my servant David 
the prince in the midst of them: I, the 
Lord, have spoken it. ?? (34, 23 and 24.) 

THE PEOMISES. 

I will make a covenant of peace with 
them, and will cause the evil beasts to cease 
out of the land ; and they that dwell in the 
wilderness shall sleep secure in the forests. 
And I will make them a blessing round 
about my hill: and I will send down the 
rain in its season: there shall be showers 
of blessing. 

And the tree of the field shall yield its 
fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, 
and they shall be in their land without fear ; 
and they shall know that I am the Lord, 
when I shall have broken the bond of their 
yoke, and shall have delivered them out of 
the hand of those that rule over them. 

And they shall be no more a spoil unto 
the nations, neither shall the beasts of the 
earth devour them; but they shall dwell 
securely without any terror. 



10 



ADVENT. 



And I shall raise up for them a bud of 
renown, and they shall be no more consumed 
with famine in the land ; neither shall they 
bear any more the reproach of the Gentiles. 

And they shall know that I, the Lord, 
their Gk>d, am with them, and that they are 
my people, the house of Israel, with the 
Lord Glod. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, 
and let the clouds rain the Just One. 

Let the earth be opened, and bud forth 
the Saviour. 

LET US PEAY. 

Lend thine ear, 0 Lord! we beseech thee, 
to our prayers, and enlighten the darkness 
of our minds by the grace of thy visitation . 

Come, O Lord! who dwellest in the 
blessed Sacrament as formerly in the chaste 
womb of Mary; come into our hearts, there 
to find thy abode and to unite us to thyself 
forever. Amen. 

4* BanieL 

" Seventy weeks are shortened upon thy 
people, and upon thy holy city, that trans- 
gressions may be finished, and sin may have 
an end, and that iniquity may be abolished, 
and everlasting justice maybe brought, and 
vision and prophecy may be fulfilled, and 



ADVENT. 



11 



the Saint of Saints may be annointed." 
(9, 24.) 

CANTICLE OF PRAISE. 

Blessed art thou, O Lord! the Grod of 
our fathers, and worthy to be praised, and 
glorified, and exalted above all forever ; and 
blessed is the holy name of thy glory; and 
worthy to be praised and exalted above all, 
in all ages. 

Blessed art thou on the throne of thy 
kingdom; and exceedingly to be praised 
and exalted above all forever. 

O ye sons of men, bless the Lord; bless 
the Lord, praise and exalt him above all 
forever. 

O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord ; 
praise and exalt him above all forever. 

O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the 
Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. 

O ye Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord; 
praise and exalt him above all forever. 

O give thanks to the Lord, because he is 
good ; because his mercy endureth forever 
and ever. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, 
and let the clouds rain the Just One. 

Let the earth be opened, and bud forth 
the Savior. 



12 



ADVENT. 



LET US PRAY. 

Exert, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! thy 
power and come, and succor us by thy 
great might ; that by the assistance of thy 
grace, thy indulgent mercy may hasten 
what is delayed by our sins. 

"We have, 0 Lord! prepared a dwelling 
for thee in our hearts : come then and give 
us thy precious body and blood as a pledge 
of our reconciliation and of thy holy love. 
Amen. 

£be fulfillment of tbe propbedee* 

Let all nations sing their best thanks- 
givings and their highest praises to their 
Creator. 

Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

When his only begotten Son, who created 
this world, redeemed us, he fulfilled the 
promises, which the divine prophets spoke 
in the ages past. 

Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

The Word having come down from 
heaven, and shown himself to men, he 
took away the punishment due to their 
sins; and assuming our nature, though but 
dust, he vanquished the prince of death. 



ADVENT. 



13 



Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

God has come into this world, made man; 
that our old man being changed into the 
new, we may put on new beauty, by being 
regenerated in the new-born Grod. 

Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

Let the Gentiles, who have received this 
new birth of grace, in gladness and joy 
prepare for the divine Nativity. 

Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

Let this coming of Jesus, be celebrated 
with devout solemnity by all who have so 
just a share in it. 

Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

That when the second coming of Christ 
shall burst upon the world, and fill it with 
fear, this most humble expression of our 
devout celebration of the first may give us 
confidence. 

Thanksgiving and praise be to the Lord 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

To our Lord in the most holy Sacrament, 
be honor, praise, and glory for all eternity. 

C ome forth sweet Babe ! 0 hild of C hastity ! 
Child of a Virgin-Mother ! C ome, O thou our 
Mediator ! Man-God ! Come into our hearts ! 



14 



ADVENT, 



Moved with compassion to see the human 
race perish, thou didst descend to these 
depths of our misery. 

Thou didst save all on earth that was lost , 
giving joy to the world. 

Come, then, 0 Christ! purify our souls 
and our bodies, and make them thy own 
pure abode. 

Justify us in thy first coming, and in thy 
second deliver us. 

That so when thou judgest all things, on 
the day of the great light, we may be 
adorned with a spotles robe , and may 
follow thy foot-steps wheresoever they are 
seen. 

Zhe announcement of tbe HnoeL 

Gabriel, sent forth from heaven, the 
faithful bearer of the Word, holds sacred 
converse with the holy Virgin. 

In the inner chamber he discloses the 
good and sweet word, and inverting the 
name of Eva, *) he greets her. 

Hail, Queen of Virgins! Thou shalt con- 
ceive in thy womb the Lord of heaven and 
earth. 

Thou shalt bring forth the salvation of 
mankind, bringing to the world the remedy 
for its iniquities. 

*) Eva becomes "Ave" which means ''Hail." 



ADVENT. 



15 



How shall this be, replied the Virgin, for 
I know not man ? How wouldst thou have 
me break the vow which I have sworn to 
keep ? 

The grace of the Holy GKhost shall accom- 
plish all these things, said the Angel. Fear 
not! thy virginity shall be kept intact. 
The power of Grod shall maintain it. 

To this the noble Virgin answering said : 
"I am the lowly handmaid of the Lord, be 
it done unto me according to thy word". 

The covenant made and instantly there 
was present the Word ; and yet the pure maid 
a virgin still forever. 

Parent, like no other; mother, yet not 
loosing the treasure, diving birth to her 
child, yet not a pain or travail. 

Unheard of prodigy! It is so indeed, and 
all thou, my soul, canst do, is, to believe it. 

It is the great, the wondrous miracle 
of the burning bush; let him that would 
approach take the sandals from his feet. 

A dry branch, without one drop of dew, 
once yielded a flower and a fruit ; it was a new 
law, a new way ; so it was when the Virgin 
brought forth the Son. 

What a blessed fruit! He is our Jesus! 
the good Jesus ! lovely burden of a lovely 
mother! He who has a throne in heaven, 
has a stable for his birth-place. 



16 



ADVENT. 



May he that for our sakes was thus born, 
wipe away all our guilt. 

0 dear Mother of Jesus ! who didst bring 
peace to angels and to men, by giving birth 
to Christ, pray for us to thy Son, that he 
be merciful to us, and give us his assistance, 
whereby, after this exile, we may possess the 
blessed joy of eternal life. 

The Angel of the Lord declared unto 
Mary. 

And she conceived of the Holy Grhost. 
Praised and adored be without end : 
Jesus, the Son of Mary, in the most holy 
Sacrament. 

Greeting to tbe Bleseeb Dirgtm 

Hail, Mother of the divine Word! Hail, 
most humble and most spotless Virgin ! 

Rejoice, thou Mother of a Son who sup- 
ports thee! Rejoice, thy burden is a burden 
most sweet to bear. 

Hail, branch of Jesse ! fruit-bearing 
branch! Hail, gate of the temple! closed to 
all but Grod. 

Hail, shining star of Jacob lighting up 
the sea ! Hail, thou sealed-up sanctuary, 
thou burning bush ! 

What bliss is thine, that thou, the humble 
star, shouldst be clad with the Sun, and then 



ADVENT, 



17 



bring forth the Sun! What bliss is thine, 
that thou shouldst be elected the bright 
ladder reaching up to heaven. 

Sing to thy God, thou aurora rising in 
the light of the new star. Sing, thou ark 
of the covenant, bearing unto us sinners the 
three treasures; 

Oh! let the soul magnify Jesus, and, 0 
sweet Mary! pray that with thee, we, too, 
may magnify him. 

Zhc Seven (Sreat Bnttpbona* 

They are said at Vespers before and after the Magnificat \ 
from the ijth to the 23rd of December. 

1. Antiphon. O Wisdom! that pro- 
eeedeth from the mouth of the most High, 
reaching from end to end, disposing all 
things with strength and with sweetness: 
come, to teach us the way of prudence. 

Come, 0 Lord! and tarry no more. 

0 almighty Grod! grant, we beseech thee, 
unto all this thy family, the desire of 
meeting, by good works, thy Son, Christ 
our Lord who is coming to us ; that being 
placed on his right hand, we may deserve 
the possession of thy heavenly kingdom. 
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Praised and adored be without end : 

Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. 



18 



ADVENT. 



2. Antiphon. 0 Adonai and Ruler of 
the house of Israel ! who didst appear unto 
Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him 
the law on Sinai: come, to redeem us with 
an outstretched arm. 

Come, O Lord! and tarry no more. 

Almighty and everlasting Grod! who by. 
the coming of thine only begotten Son, our 
Lord Jesus Christ, didst deign to shine on 
us with a new light, grant unto us, that as 
we deserved to have him as a companion in 
the form of a body, by the birth the Virgin 
gave him, so we may merit to be also his 
companions in the kingdom of his grace: 
who liveth and reigneth with thee forever 
and ever. Amen. 

Praised and adored be without end : 

Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. 

3. Antiphon. 0 Root of Jesse! who 
standest for a standard of the people; 
before whom kings shall shut their mouths : 
whom the Grentiles shall seek: come, and 
deliver us; tarry no more. 

Come, O Lord! and tarry no more. 

0 Jesus! almighty Son of God, merci- 
fully come and save thy people, and deign 
with thy wonted compassion, to deliver us 
from all the anxieties and fears of this 
present time, who livest and reignest with 



ADVENT 



19 



the Father and the Holy Grhost forever and 
ever. Amen. 

Praised and adored be without end: 
Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. 

4. Antiphon. 0 Key of David and 
Scepter of the house of Israel! who openest 
and no man shutteth, who shuttest and no 
man openeth : come to bring out the pris- 
oners from the prison , and them that sit in 
darkness and in the shadow of death. 

Come, 0 Lord! and tarry no more. 

Grant, we beseech thee, 6 almighty God! 
that our souls be filled with the desire of 
being influenced with thy spirit, that being 
nourished with the divine gift, as lamps 
with their oil, we may shine as bright lights 
before the face of Christ, thy Son, who is 
coming to us. Amen. 

Praised and adored be without end: 

Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. 

5. Antiphon. 0 Orient! spendor of 
eternal light and Sun of Justice! come, and 
enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in 
the shadow of death. 

Come, 0 Lord! and tarry no more. 

0 Lord! God, Father almighty! purify 
the recesses of our hearts and mercifully 
wash away the stains of our sins; and grant, 



20 



ADVENT. 



0 Lord! that we may await in confidence 
the coming of thy Son Jesus Christ, who 
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy 
Ghost forever and ever, Amen. 
Praised and adored be without end: 
Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. 

6. Antiphon. 0 King of nations and 
their desired One, and the Cornerstone that 
maketh both one, come, and save man whom 
thou hast made out of earth. 

Come, 0 Lord! and tarry no more. 

0 God! who. by thine only begotten Son, 
hast made us to be a new creature unto 
thyself, mercifully look on the works which 
thy mercy has produced, and cleanse us in 
the coming of the Son from all the stains 
of our old habits. Through the same Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Praised and adored be without end: 

Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. - 

7. Antiphon. 0 Emmanuel! our King 
and Law^-giver ! the Expectation and Saviour 
of the nations! come, and save us, 0 Lord, 
our God! 

Come, 0 Lord! and tarry no more. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! who having assumed 
human nature, and becoming the Saviour 
of the human race wast given as a light to 



ADVENT. 



21 



the nations: open the eyes of the hearts of 
them that believe in thee, and mercifully 
set free from their prison them that are 
bound in the fetters of unbelief: who livest 
and reignest with the Father and the Holy 
Grhost forever and ever. Amen. 
Praised and adored be without end : 
Jesus, our Lord, in the most holy Sacra- 
ment. 

Conclusion* 

O Lord Jesus Christ! graciously accept 
the prayers which I have offered thee in 
memory of, and in thanksgiving for thy holy 
Incarnation, in which thou hast deigned to 
assume human nature so as to make us 
children of Grod. 

Look down with mercy upon all those for 
whom I have prayed during this hour, 
especially upon my friends, benefactors, 
and the members of our congregation. 

Give us thy grace that we may all share 
in the blessing of thy coming, live a holy 
life, and die a happy death. 

My last prayer is to thee, 0 Word Incar- 
nate! really and truly present on our altars. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

2 



ADVENT. 



0 Jesus Christ ! remember. 
When thou shalt come again 
Upon the clouds of heaven 
With all thy shining train, 

When every eye shall see thee 
In Deity revealed. 
Who now upon this altar 
In silence art concealed. 

Remember then, 0 Saviour! 

1 supplicate of thee. 

That here I bowed before thee 
Upon my bended knee. 

That here I owned thy presence. 
And did not thee deny j 
And glorified thy greatness 
Though hid from human eye. 

Accept, divine Redeemer! 
The homage of my praise ; 
Be thou the light and honor 
And glory of my days. 



ADVENT. 



23 



Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

Ii. And let my cry come unto thee. 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

Iy. Thanks be to God. 

y . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 

1^ Amen. 



Cbristmas-Xttbe. 



y. Lord! thou "wilt open my lips. 

R. And my mouth shall declare thy praise. 

y. O God! incline unto my aid. 

1$. O Lord! make haste to help me. 

Glory be to the Father, etc 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Hboration. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Eucha- 
rist. This day is exhibited a mystery of 
love; this day the Angels are astonished; 
this clay unhappy man is redeemed from 
the tyranny of hell. 

Come, let us adore the divine Infant 
Jesus in the most holy Eucharist. To-day 
the law and the prophets are fulfilled ; to- 
day the Desire of the Everlasting Hills has 
come down ; to-day the heavens are broken 
through, and the Expectation of nations 
has descended. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day the heavens have dropped 
down dew., and the clouds have rained the 
(24) 



THE BIRTH OF CHKIST. 



25 



Just; to-day the earth has opened and 
budded forth a Saviour. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day the iniquity of the earth is 
destroyed, to-day the Saviour of the world 
reigns over his people. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day true peace has descended 
from heaven; to-day the entire extent of 
the heavens is overflowing with honey. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day is the brilliant day of new 
redemption : the day of ancient reparation : 
the day of eternal bliss. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day he who is the fountain of 
riches is covered with rags ; to-day Omni- 
potence assumes the form of a helpless 
infant; to-day the Creator of heaven and 
earth cannot find a resting-place among men. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day he comes into the world 
which was made by him, and it knows him 
not; to-day he comes unto his own, and 
they receive him not. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. To-day Jesus Christ, the Son of the 
living Grod, is born of the Virgin Mary in 
the stable of Bethlehem. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 



26 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



nient. He has come from his royal throne, 
whilst all things were in deep silence, and 
the night in the midst of its course. 

Come, let ns adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. His advent is announced by a 
heavenly army; his praise is hymned by 
an angelic choir. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. The lowly of the earth are invited 
to his birth: the shepherds of Bethlehem 
are summoned to the joyful scene. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Let us pass over to Bethlehem with 
them and enter the humble cave: let us 
explore the mysteries of this sanctified grot. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Let us satiate our eyes with the 
sight of the lovely Babe ; let us admire in 
secret the poverty by which he is surrounded. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Let us sing: "Great is the Lord, 
and worthy of praise; ""Little is the Lord, 
and exceedingly worthy of love." 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Behold the divine Infant wrapped 
in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger ; 
behold the wretchedness by which he is 
surrounded. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Behold his innocent flesh exposed 



THE BIRTH OF CHBIST. 



27 



to the rigors of the cold ; behold his limbs 
shivering, whilst the smile of heaven is 
playing upon his beautiful lips. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Behold the little hands which framed 
the universe and which are one day to be 
cruelly pierced, now stretched forth in 
supplication to heaven for our sins. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Behold the tender feet that are to 
walk about doing good, and that are to be 
finally lacerated with the cruel nail and 
hammer. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Behold the countenance on which 
the Angels desire to look, now upturned to 
heaven in silent entreaty for our trans- 
gressions. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See those beauteous eyes resplendent 
with light from above, now suffused with 
tears of sorrow for our crimes — now radiant 
with the delight of redeeming us. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See the pulsations of that little 
heart, which pants for our happiness, and 
remember that for love of us it is to be 
pierced with the bitter lance. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Consider that under all those humble 



28 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



forms, Eternal Wisdom, Immaculate Sanc- 
tity, Almighty Power, and Infinite Majesty 
are veiled. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See his Virgin Mother bending over 
the lovely Babe, and contemplating with 
chaste eyes all the fulness of the Godhead. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See how she laments the poverty 
and weakness that surround him, and yet 
bows in submission to the decrees of heaven ; 
how she adores him with profoundest 
homage as her Lord and her Grod, and 
welcomes him with joy as the deliverer of 
her fellow-creatures. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See with what delight she stretches 
him forth for the adoration of the shepherds, 
and how she treasures up in her heart the 
mysteries which she beholds. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See the joy of the humble carpenter, 
his reputed father : how he is ravished with 
amazement : how he kisses off the precious 
tear-drops from the Infant's eye: how he 
reverently composes his little limbs, and 
then retires a short distance to survey and 
adore him in silent wonder. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Like the two Cherubim who faced 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



29 



the propitiatory of the ark, consider Mary 
and Joseph beholding and adoring the True 
Propitiation for the sins of the world. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. See the shepherds of Israel prostrate 
before him, and welcoming to earth their 
expected Messiah. 

Come, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment. Let us join them and Joseph and 
the Angels and the Virgin; let us sing 
glory to Grod and peace to men; let us 
throw ourselves at the feet of the divine 
Infant and say: 

O sweet, adorable, and lovely little Babe 
of Bethlehem! we kiss thee, we salute thee, 
we adore thee, we thank thee, we praise 
thee, we love thee, we bless thee, we glorify 
thee for the great glory thou givest thy 
Father. 

0 come, let us adore the most holy 
Eucharist, the Babe of Bethlehem, the 
Jesus, the Saviour, the Redeemer, the 
Creator, and the future Judge of the world. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparattom 

Joyful and glorious was thy birth, 0 
Jesus ! Angels glorified thee by their hymns 
of jubilee; the shepherds in humble love, 



30 



CHKISTMA8-TIDE. 



adored thee ; and the three holy kings from 
the East offered thee their gifts. 

All this pleased thee, but how bitter was 
to thee the ingratitude of so many people ; 
the hatred of the Jews; thy future cruel 
passion and death; the sins of all mankind, 
and that the majority of men would believe 
neither in thy Incarnation , nor in thy 
presence in the most holy Sacrament. 

O Jesus ! I beg of thee receive now my 
humble prayers in atonement for the sins, 
the coldness, and the unbelief of so many 
poor sinners. 

Forgive them, they do not know thee. If 
they knew thee, they would love thee. 

Thy whole life, from the crib to the cross, 
was one continuous sacrifice for our trans- 
gressions. Save, therefore, thy people. 

O divine Child ! I cast myself at thy feet, 
and humbly ask pardon, grace, and mercy 
for myself, and for the whole world. 

Thou earnest from heaven to bring us 
peace; give us, then, this peace, sweet holy 
Child! 

Thou art present in the most holy Sacra- 
ment, as once in the crib. Do not regard 
the coldness, the irreverence and disrespect 
with which men treated thee there, and 
now treat thee here, but remember the 
mission that has brought thee from heaven. 



THE BIKTH OF CHRIST. 



31 



Convert the sinners, guide the erring, 
enlighten the ignorant, and bring us all to 
thee. 

IDerbum Caro jFactum est*) 

Dry your tears, ye silent mourners; 
Fling the sorrow from your breast ; 
See the dawn of happy Christmas : 
Verbum caro factum est. 

Christ has come to dwell among us; 
He hath come to give us rest ; 
He hath come our foes to vanquish: 
Verbum caro factum est. 

Angels sing their joyous carol; 
Angels in the snowy vest, 
Bowing down in adoration : 
Verbum caro factum est. 

Welcome him with loving worship ; 
Welcome him our precious guest ; 
Bless him now, and bless him ever: 
Verbum caro factum est. 

Oh! the jubilee in heaven; 
Oh ! the raptures of the blest ; 
Unto us a Child is given: 
Verbum caro factum est. 



*) * 'Verbum caro factum est" means "The Word 
was made flesh." 



32 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



Ring the bells, and swing the censers; 
Let our gladness be expressed 
In each outward act and token : 
Verbum caro factum est. 

Grateful words will give you pleasure ; 
But our grateful deeds are best : 
Let them all be for his honor: 
Verbum caro factum est. 

£be £riple Birtb of Cbrist 

i. Ube Btrtb from tbe jfatber. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the 
Word was with God, and the Word was 
God. 

All things were made by him, and with- 
out him was made nothing that was made. 

O eternal Son of God! before the crib I 
confess thy eternity, thy omnipotence, and 
thy divinity, and most profoundly do I 
adore thee. 

Thou wast in the beginning ; thou wast 
in God; and thyself wast God. 

Born from the bosom of the Father, 
before the world began, thou art the be- 
ginning and the end of all things, present, 
past, and future, 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



33 



With God the Father and the Holy 
Ghost didst thou found the earth ; and the 
work of thy hands are the heavens. 

Thou commandest and they were created ; 
thou spokest and they were made: earth, 
heaven and sea, thy triple kingdom. 

All things shall perish, but thou shalt 
continue ; they shall all grow old as a gar- 
ment and shall be changed, but thou art 
the self same and thy years shall not fail. 

O God of heaven and earth ! come to our 
help. Help us to lead a holy life, so as to 
become hereafter partakers of thy divinity. 

Ube Birtb of Gbrist from /IDarp* 

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt 
among us. 

And we saw his glory, as it were the 
glory of the only begotten Son of the 
Father. 

Oh! the happy birth, when a Virgin- 
Mother having conceived of the Holy 
Ghost, brought forth the child, that was 
the child of God. The true God became 
true man. He clothes himself with a frail 
body, and with members subject to death. 
He becomes our Saviour and Redeemer, nay 
our brother. 



34 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



Behold thy God in the crib, having be- 
come a child; in every thing, save sin, like 
the rest of men. To-day he begins his life 
of suffering. 

He is poor. "The foxes have holes and 
the birds of the air have nests ; but the Son 
of God hath not where to lay his head. 7 ' 
He is subject to all kinds of pains. His 
whole life from the crib to the cross is filled 
with bitterness. He is blood of our blood; 
flesh of our flesh, therefore also partaker of 
our misery. 

Thanks, 0 divine Child ! Thanks, 0 Jesus ! 
for thy great love for us, which caused thee 
to become man. 

3- Xlbe 3Birtb of Gbrist in us. 

As many as received him, to them he gave 
power to he made the sons of God. 

To them that believe in his name, who 
are born, not of blood, nor of the will of 
the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

Thou, O Jesus! wast born of God the 
Father ; thou wast born of Mary ; thou art 
ciiso born in our hearts. 

Thrice glorified be thou for this triple 
birth! But what would thy first and second 
birth help us, if the third did not take place 
in us? 



THE BIRTH OF CHKIST. 



35 



J esus was born in our hearts by faith and 
love. We must believe in him, and we 
must love him. Then he will stay with us; 
will become man again , as it were, in our 
hearts. 

But what do I say, 0 Jesus ! Dost thou 
not become man in us in reality every time 
we receive thee in holy Communion? 

Come ? then, O Jesus ! come and transform 
our hearts, and create in us new hearts. 

©R> anfc IRew pra^ere of tbe Cburcb* 

Glory be to God on high, and on earth 
peace to men of good will. 

We bless thee ; we adore thee ; we glorify 
thee; we give thee thanks for thy great 
glory. 

O Lord God! heavenly King! G-od the 
Father Almighty! 

O Lord Jesus Christ! the only begotten 
Son. 

O Lord God! Lamb of God! Son of the 
Father! who takest away the sins of the 
world, have mercy on us. 

Who takest away the sins of the world, 
receive our humble prayer. 

Who sittest at the right hand of the 
Father, have mercy on us. 

For thou alone art holy ; thou alone art 



36 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



G-od; thou alone, 0 Jesus Christ! together 
with the Holy Grhost, art most high in the 
glory of Grod the Father. 

Be comforted, be comforted, my people! 
saith the Lord. 

Arise, arise, put on thy strength, 0 
Sion ! put on the garments of thy glory, 0 
Jerusalem ! 

O shepherds ! whom have you seen ; say, 
tell us, who is it that has appeared on earth? 

We have seen the child that is born, and 
choirs of Angels praising the Lord. 

We have received thy mercy, 0 Grod! 
which appeared to us in Bethlehem, in the 
midst of thy temple. 

O great mystery and wonderful secret! 
Brute beasts see their new born Lord laid 
in a manger. 

Blessed is the Virgin that deserved to 
carry in her womb Christ our Lord! 

Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is 
with thee. 

O holy and immaculate virginity ! I know 
not with what praises I shall extol thee. 

Thou didst bear in thy womb him whom 
the heavens cannot contain. 

Blessed art thou amongst women; and 
blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 

A holy day hath shone upon us; come, 
ye Gentiles ! and adore the Lord who deigned 



THE BIRTH: OF CHRIST. 



37 



to be born of the Virgin for the world's 
salvation. 

LET US PRAY. 

Grant, we beseech thee, 0 almighty God! 
that we,who groan under the old captivity 
of sin, may be freed therefrom by the new 
birth of thine only begotten Son. 

Give us that, as we are enlightened by 
the new light of thy Word become flesh, we 
may show in our actions the effects of that 
faith which shineth in our midst. Through 
the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Zo tbe Bieeseb Mvqiw. 

Eejoice, 0 Virgin-Mother! in thy joy- 
giving delivery, for thy chaste womb was 
made fruitful of the very Son of God. 

O wondrous sight! Jesus feeding from 
the lily of purity ! Yes, O most pure Virgin ! 
thou feedest at thy breasts his infant life. 

The only begotten Son of the Father, by 
whom he made this world, is dwelling here, 
the Babe of a pure Mother. 

There he is feeding the Angels with joy : — 
here he is in hunger and thirst from his 
cradle. 

There he holds all things in subjection: — 
here he is in subjection to a mother. 



38 



CHRISTMAS -TIDE. 



There he commands : — here he obeys his 
handmaid. 

There he is sitting on the throne of God : — 
here he is lying swaddled and weeping in a 
manger. 

Think of this, 0 man! and recall to thy 
memory these stupendous works of God's 
mercy. 

And though thy sins be great, yet thou 
canst not despair, for the proofs thou seest 
here of Jesus' love, speak but of pardon. 

Thou art desirous to obtain pardon? fly 
to the Mother for intercession, for she holds 
on her lap the infinite fountain of mercy. 

Often bend thy knee before her, and with 
hopeful love salute her : 

Sweet Mother of our Redeemer! gate 
whereby we enter heaven, and star of the 
sea! help us, we fall; yet do we long to rise. 

Nature looked upon thee with admiration, 
when thou didst give birth to thy divine 
Creator, thyself remaining before and after 
a pure virgin. 

Gabriel spoke his "Hail" to thee; we 
sinners crave thy pity. 

After childbirth, thou didst remain most 
pure, O Virgin ! 

0 Mother of God ! make intercession for us. 

0 God, who by the fruitful' virginity of 
the blessed Mary hast given to mankind 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



39 



the rewards of eternal life ; grant, we beseech 
thee, that we may experience the intercession 
of her, by whom we received the Author of 
Life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son. Amen. 

Zbe Statmt ftDater of tbe Crib. 

Stands that Mother more than beauteous 
"Where her blessed Child is laid ; — 
In that stable, by that manger, 
Stands that raptured Mother-Maid. 

How her virgin soul is swelling, 
Thrilling with unearthly bliss ; 
She hath seen him, she hath heard him, 
She hath felt his infant kiss. 

How she sings with joy ecstatic; 
Sings the pure and undefiled ; 
Stainless, spotless Virgin-Mother! 
Mother of the holy Child! 

Who can choose but share her rapture, 
As she clasps him to her breast ; 
Playing now in child-like beauty ; 
Sleeping now in peaceful rest. 

For our sins and for his nation, 
See the little Jesus lies 
In the stable, with the oxen; 
Tears are in his infant eyes. 



40 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



"Nato Christo in praesepe/* *) 
So ! the white-winged Angels sing ; 
Coming down from highest heaven, 
Praises to that crib to bring. 

Stands the holy peaceful Joseph, 
With that spotless Virgin Flower ; 
Speechless in their holy rapture ; 
Speechless at that midnight hour. 

Ah! my Mother fount of loving, 
Since from thee all loving flows, 
Breathe into my inmost spirit 
All the love thy bosom knows. 

Make me feel the pain he suffers 
From the cradle to the grave, 
Who in that poor stable lying, 
Comes from heaven my soul to save. 

Bind me close, and bind me closer, 

To that Babe of Bethlehem, 

To thy gentle Jesulino : 

Love must find new names for him. 

Even in my exile burning, 
Make me give for his sweet love, 
With a rapture hourly deepening, 
Till he takes me home above. 

*) "Christ is born in the crib.* 1 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



41 



Virgin of all virgins purest ! 
Spotless, stainless, undefiled, 
Give me in my arms to clasp him ; 
Let me kiss thy blessed Child. 

Let my soul be lost in loving 
Him who dying, gives us life ; 
Who is born this blessed morning, 
Peace to bring, to banish strife. 

Flood me with enraptured sweetness, 
Let me love my life away, 
Mother spotless with the Infant, 
And thyself this blessed day. 

At my dying let me see him, 
Let me clasp him to my breast, 
Loving living, loving dying, 
Thus to go to endless rest. 

Conclusion* 

Divine and loving Child! I am now called 
away from thy holy crib and altar, but I 
will leave my heart at least with thee. 

I will never forget thy love which caused 
thee to leave heaven and to become a poor 
child, 

And is the same love not drawing thee 
daily from heaven upon the altar f 



42 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



Thou, 0 Jesus! wast really and truly 
present in the manger, true God and true 
man. 

I firmly believe that thou art also really 
and truly present in the Sacrament of the 
Altar, likewise true God and true man. 

0 God ! keep this holy faith ever alive in 
me. Make me think of thee frequently, 
that I may unite my actions with thine in 
the manger and on the altar, my intentions 
with the intentions that brought thee from 
heaven and keep thee captive in the holy 
Eucharist. 

This most holy and blessed Sacrament : 

May it be praised and adored without 
end! 

My God, my life, my love! 
To thee, to thee, I call, 

0 come to me from heaven above, 
And be my God, my all. 

My faith beholds thee, Lord! 
Concealed in human food; 
My senses fail, but in thy word 

1 trust and find my God, 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 



43 



0 when wilt thou be mine 
Sweet lover of my soul ? 
My Jesus dear ! my king divine ! 
Come, over my heart to rule. 

0 come, and fix thy throne 
Within my very heart, 
0 make it burn for thee alone, 
And from me never depart. 

Begone ye, from my mind, 
Vain childish earthly toys ! 
In Jesus only do I find 
True pleasures, solid joys. 

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

Iy. Thanks be to Grod. 

y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

l\. Amen. 



1bol\> flame of Jesus. 



y. O Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1$. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y 0 Grod! incline unto my aid. 
1^. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Hfcoration. 

us adore our Lord whose name is 
above all other names. 

Come, let us joyfully sing to him, for his 
name is very sweet. 

He is the great Grod, and the King above 
all kings. 

Come, let us adore him. 

At his name, every knee bends, in heaven, 
on earth, and under the earth. 

Come, let us do the same and humbly 
adore him in the most holy Sacrament of 
the Altar. 

His name is praised and glorified by 
Cherubim and Seraphim, and by all the 
Angels and Saints in heaven, 
(44) 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



45 



Come, let us unite our voices with theirs , 
and sing to his holy name : 

Holy, holy, holy art thou, 0 Lord, Glod 
of Hosts ! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

IReparatioru 

I know, 0 Jesus! that thy name is 
greater, sweeter, and more glorious than 
any other name. 

It pains and grieves me, therefore, to see 
thy holy name blasphemed by so great a 
number of people. 

Thy name, O Jesus! is an object of hatred 
to the demons and the wicked ones. It is 
profaned every moment by cursing and 
swearing. It is often spoken of, even by 
good people, without reverence and de- 
votion. 

To give thee, 0 Jesus! satisfaction, in 
some measure, for all the sins committed 
against thy most holy name, I kneel here 
before thy holy altar and humbly ask thee 
for forgiveness and mercy. 

May thy holy name, O Jesus! be praised 
forever and ever. 

And praise, adoration and thanksgiving 
be to thy sacred heart in the blessed Sacra- 
ment. 



46 CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 

1b\mtn, 

Jesus ! the very thought of thee 
With sweetness fills my breast ; 
But sweeter far thy face to see, 
And in thy presence rest. 

No voice can sing. 

No heart can frame. 

Nor can the memory find 

A sweeter sound than thy blest name. 

0 Saviour of mankind ! 

0 hope of every contrite heart ! 

0 joy of all the weak! 

To those who fall, how kind thou art ! 

How good to those who seek ! 

But what to those who find ! 

Ah! this no tongue, nor pen can show: 

The love of Jesus what it is 

None hut his lov'd ones know. 

Jesus! our only joy be thou, 
As thou our prize wilt be, 
Jesus! be thou our glory now 
And through eternity. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



47 



praters of tbe Cburcfx 

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from 
henceforth , now and forever. 

At the name of Jesus , let every knee bend 
in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. 

0 Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is thy 
name over the whole earth ! 

From the rising of the sun even to the 
going down thereof, the name of the Lord 
is worthy of praise. 

Whosoever shall call upon the name of 
the Lord shall be saved. 

1 will sacrifice the sacrifice of praise, and 
I will call upon his holy name. 

I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will joy 
in Grod my Jesus. 

I will praise thee, Lord, my God! with 
my whole heart, and I will glorify thy 
name forever. 

Because, O Lord! thou art good and 
gracious, and full of mercy towards all 
that call upon thy name. 

Thy name, O Jesus! is as oil poured out. 

Therefore have virgins loved thee. 

Let us pray. 

O Grod ! who didst appoint thy only be- 
gotten Son the Saviour of mankind, and 
commandest that his name should be called 



48 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



Jesus : mercifully grant that we who vene- 
rate his name on earth, may also enjoy his 
sight in heaven. Through the same Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Salutation to tbe CbUb Sesus* 

Hail ! thou most lovely little Jesus ■ thou 
sweetest love far above ail created love ! I 
salute thee, and in the desires of all Christ- 
endom, I embrace thee. 

Hail! most charming little Jesus; thou 
noble plant of Nazareth; full rose of 
Jericho; thou flourishing flower from 
heaven! Draw our hearts to thee and 
refresh them by thy sweetest love. 

Hail! most gracious little Jesus; thou 
living bread of Bethlehem; thou innocent 
lamb of Jerusalem; thou born king of 
Judea ! Receive us into the number of thy 
chosen servants. 

Hail! thou most beautiful little Jesus; 
thou careful shepherd of the heavenly 
sheep; thou beloved fellow-brother of ail 
the children of men; thou sweet plant 
planted by the Holy (rhost in the virgin heart 
of Mary; thou bright daybreak rising out 
of the dark night, to the joy of the whole 
earth! Ah! drive away from us the dark- 
ness of sin. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



49 



Grlory and praise be to thee, 0 tender, 
darling little Jesus ! From the utmost depths 
of my heart I adore thee, that for love of me 
and mankind thou didst will to lie in the 
manger, and suffer such great poverty and 
misery. 

I praise and adore thy tender limbs, and 
I magnify the inexpressible love which drew 
thee forth from the bosom of thy heavenly 
Father down into a poor and miserable 
stable. 

Grlory and praise be to thee 0 noble little 
Jesus! I salute and praise thee with that 
same love which made thee leave heaven 
and become a child. 

Grlory and praise be to thee most estimable 
Jesus, thou joy and honor of the heavenly 
Father! I magnify thee, and give thee 
thanks through thy own sweet heart, which 
thou hast made manifest to the whole world 
through thy birth. 

I salute thee thousands and thousands of 
times, thou most beautiful little Jesus, thou 
all-sweet marrow of the fatherly heart; 
thou all-sw^eet refreshment of sick souls! 
I offer and present thee with the marrow 
of my heart, to thy eternal glory and 
service. 

O Jesus, thou crown, thou love, thou joy, 
thou bliss of virgins, thou whose love made 



50 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



thee the son of a virgin i Be thou glorified 
and exalted forever. Amen. 

Unfculgencefc prater to tbe Hol£ 
IRatrte of 3esus* 

O good Jesus! 0 most sweet Jesus! 0 
Jesus, Lord of the Virgin Mary, full of 
mercy and tenderness! 0 sweet Jesus! 
according to thy great mercy, have mercy 
on me. 

0 most merciful Jesus ! I implore thee, by 
that precious blood which thou didst deign 
to shed for sinners, to wash away my 
iniquities, and look upon me in my misery 
and unworthiness, humbly begging pardon, 
and calling upon this holy name, Jesus. 

O name of Jesus, name of sweetness! 
Name of Jesus, name of delights! Name of 
Jesus, name of comfort ! For what is Jesus 
but Saviour. 

Therefore, O Jesus! on account of thy 
holy name be to me a Jesus, and save me. 
Suffer me not to perish whom thou hast 
created out of nothing. 

O good Jesus ! let not my iniquities over- 
whelm me whom thy omnipotent bounty 
has made. 

0 sweet Jesus! acknowledge what is 
thine and efface what is not thine. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



51 



0 most gentle Jesus ! have mercy on me 
while yet the time of mercy lasts, lest thou 
condemn me in the day of judgment. The 
dead will not praise thee, O Lord, Jesus! 
nor they that descend into hell. 

0 most loving Jesus! O most amiable 
Jesus! O sweetest Jesus! O Jesus, Jesus, 
Jesus ! take me into the number of thy elect. 

O Jesus salvation of those who believe in 
thee ! comfort of those who fly to thee ! 

O Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary! infuse 
into my soul grace, wisdom, charity, chastity 
and humility, that I may love thee perfectly, 
praise thee, enjoy thee, serve thee, and be 
glorified in thee, with all those who call 
upon thy name, Jesus. Amen. 

flD^steries of the Hol$ Cbilfcboofc, 

y. O God! incline unto my aid. 
1^. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
y. Glory be to the Father, etc. 
3$. As it was in the beginning, etc. Our 
Father, etc. 

U Zhc Uncarnation* 

Jesus, sweetest Child! who for our salva- 
tion didst come down from the bosom of the 
Father, and conceived by the Holy Ghost 
didst not shrink from the Virgin's womb: 



52 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



0 Word made flesh ! taking the form of 
a servant, have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! 
have mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

2* TLhc Hesitation* 

Jesus, sweetest Child! who in thy Virgin- 
Mother's womb didst visit Elizabeth, and 
fill John the Baptist, thy forerunner, with 
the Holy Ghost, sanctifying him in his 
mother's womb, have mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

3. Bwaitmg tbe Mvtb. 

Jesus, sweetest Child ! who for nine 
months didst lie hid in thy Mother's womb, 
awaiting thy birth which the Virgin Mary 
and* St. Joseph were longingly expecting, 
and which by them was offered to Grod the 
Father for the salvation of the world, have 
mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

4. Ube 1Rati\ut£, 

0 Jesus, sweetest Child! born in Beth- 
lehem of Mary ever Virgin, laid in a crib, 
whom Angels announced and whom shep- 
herds visited, have mercy on us. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



53 



Have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

0 Jesus! born of Virgin bright, 
Infinite glory be to thee; 
Praise to the Father infinite, 
And Holy Ghost eternally. 
y. Christ is at hand. 
Iy. Come, let us adore him. Our Father, 
etc. 

5. Uhc Circumcision, 

Jesus, sweetest Child! wounded on the 
eighth day by the circumcision, called by 
the glorious name of Jesus, and by thy 
name and thy blood foreshown to be the 
Saviour of the world, have mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

6. Zftc B&oration of tbe ZlDagL 

Jesus, sweetest Child! made known to 
the Magi by a star, adored on thy sweet 
Mother's lap, and presented with the mys- 
tical gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh, have 
mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

7. Zhc presentation in tbe Uemple, 

Jesus, sweetest Child! presented in the 
temple by thy Virgin-Mother, placed in the 

3 



54 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



arms of Simeon, and by the voice of the 
prophetess Anna revealed to Israel, have 
mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, O Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

8. TCbe flight into JEgspt 

Jesus, sweetest Child! whom Herod 
sought to kill, whom St. Joseph carried 
with his Mother into Egypt, saved thus by 
flight from a cruel death, and glorified by 
the martyrdom of the holy Innocents, have 
mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

0 Jesus! born of Virgin bright, 
Infinite glory be to thee ; 
Praise to the Father infinite, 
And Holy Ghost eternally, 
y. Christ is at hand. 
^. Come, let us adore him. Our Father, 
etc. 

9. Sojourn in )£G2Pt- 

Jesus, sweetest Child! who didst tarry 
in Egypt with thy most holy Mother Mary 
and the patriarch St. Joseph, until the death 
of Herod, have mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, O Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS, 



55 



10. IReturn from BgppL 

Jesus, sweetest Child! who, in returning 
from Egypt with thy parents, endured many 
hardships by the way, and came to the city 
of Nazareth, have mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, O Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

Jesus, sweetest Child! who in the holy 
house of Nazareth didst lead a most holy 
life, submissive to thy parents, enduring 
poverty and hard labor while daily advancing 
in age, wisdom, and grace, have mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, O Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

\2. Jesus with tbe Doctors m tbe temple, 

0 Jesus, sweetest Child! when twelve 
years old brought to Jerusalem, lost by thy 
parents, sought in sorrow, and after three 
days found with joy, disputing with the 
doctors in the temple, have mercy on us. 

Have mercy on us, O Child Jesus! have 
mercy on us. Hail Mary, etc. 

0 Jesus! born of Virgin bright, 

Infinite glory be to thee ; 

Praise to the Father infinite, 

And Holy Grhost eternally. 



56 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



V. Christ is at hand. 
1$. Come let us adore him. Our Father, 
etc. 

At Christmas and during its Octave say: 

The word was made flesh. Alleluia. 
And dwelt among us. Alleluia. 

At the Epiphany and during its Octave: 

Christ has manifested himself to us. 
Come, let us adore him. 

During the year say: 

The Word was made flesh. 
And dwelt among us. 

LET US PRAY. 

Almighty and everlasting Grod, Lord of 
heaven and earth ! who dost reveal thyself 
to little ones, grant, we beseech thee, that 
we may so venerate the mysteries of the 
child-hood of thy Son, Jesus, and follow 
him so humbly in our lives, that we may 
one day come to the kingdom of heaven, 
promised to the little ones. Through the 
same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

O Jesus, king most wonderful! 
Thou conqueror renowned! 
Thou sweetness most ineffable ! 
In whom all joys are found. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



57 



When once thou visitest the heart, 
Then truth begins to shine ; 
Then earthly vanities depart, 
Then kindles love divine. 

0 Jesus, light of all below! 
Thou fount of life and fire ! 
Surpassing all the joys we know, 
All that we can desire. 

May every heart confess thy name, 
And ever thee adore ; 
And seeking thee, itself inflame 
To seek thee more and more. 

Thee may our tongues forever bless, 
Thee may we love alone ; 
And ever in our lives express 
The image of thine own. 

Xitan$ of tbe Hol£ flame of 3e0us* 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Jesus, hear us. 
Jesus, graciously hear us. 



58 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



God the Father of heaven, *) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Jesus, Son of the lining God, 

Jesus, splendor of the Father, 

Jesus, brightness of eternal light, 

Jesus, king of glory, 

Jesus , sun of justice, 

Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary, 

Jesus amiable, 

Jesus admirable, 

Jesus, powerful God, 

Jesus, Father of the world to come, 

Jesus, Angel of the great council, 

J esus most powerful, 

Jesus most patient, 

Jesus most obedient, 

Jesus meek and humble of heart, 

Jesus, lover of chastity, 

Jesus, lover of us, 

Jesus, God of peace, 

Jesus, author of life, 

Jesus, model of virtues, 

Jesus, zealous for souls, 

Jesus, our God, 

Jesus, our refuge, 

Jesus, Father of the poor, 

Jesus, treasure of the faithful, 



* Have mercy on us. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



Jesus, good shepherd , *) 
Jesus , true light, 
Jesus , eternal wisdom, 
Jesus, infinite goodness, 
Jesus, our way and our life, 
Jesus, joy of angels, 
Jesus, king of the patriarchs, 
Jesus, master of the apostles, 
Jesus, teacher of the evangelists, 
Jesus, strength of martyrs, 
Jesus, light of confessors 
Jesus, purity of virgins, 
Jesus, crown of all saints, 
Be merciful. 
Spare us, O Jesus! 
Be merciful. 

Graciously hear us, O Jesus! 

From all evil, **) 

From all sin, 

From thy wrath, 

From the snares of the devil, 

From the spirit of fornication, 

From eternal death, 

From a neglect of thy inspirations, 

By the mystery of thy holy incarnation 

By thy nativity, 

By thy infancy, 

By thy most divine life, 



*) Have mercy on us. 
**) O Jesus ! deliver us,. 



60 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



By thy labors, *) 

By tliy agony and passion, 

By thy cross and dereliction, 

By thy languors, 

By thy death and burial, 

By thy resurrection, 

By thy ascension, 

By thy joys, 

By thy glory, 

Lamb of Grod ! who takest away the sins 

of the world. 
Spare us, O Jesus! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Graciously hear us, 0 Jesus! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Jesus! 
Jesus! hear us. 
Jesus! graciously hear us. 

LET US PRAY. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ! who hast said: Ask 
and ye shall receive ; seek and ye shall find ; 
knock and it shall be opened unto you; 
mercifully attend to our supplications, and 
grant us the gift of thy divine charity, that 
we may ever love thee with our whole heart, 
in word, and work, and never desist from 
thy praise. 



*) O Jesus! deliver us. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



61 



Give us, 0 Lord! a perpetual fear and 
love of thy holy name ; for never dost thou 
abandon the care of those whom thou in- 
structest in thy true and solid love. Who 
livest and reignest world without end. 
Amen. 

Conclusion. 

O my dearest Jesus ! I end this hour by 
recommending myself and all for whom I 
have prayed to thy sacred heart in the 
blessed Sacrament. 

" The prayers to thy holy name have given 
me great consolation. I confidently hope, 
through this sweet name, to obtain all the 
graces I need for my salvation. 

May thy name, O Jesus! be my shield in 
the moment of temptation. 

May it give me strength in the trials of 
this life; light in doubts; sweetness in 
sufferings. 

0 Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer! give 
me especially the grace, that thy sweet 
name be on my lips at the moment of my 
death, and that, with this holy name on my 
tongue, my soul may depart in peace, to 
praise thy sweet name in heaven. 

My last prayer is, as usual, to the Sacra- 
ment in which thou, 0 Jesus! dweilest 
amongst us. 



62 



CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving, be every 
moment thine. 

1bpmn. 

As pants the hart for cooling springs, 
Among the rocks and barren sands, 
So doth my soul, 0 King of kings! 
Long for refreshment at thy hands. 

My soul, 0 Grod! doth thirst for thee, 
For thee the source of every grace ; 

0 when shall I thy beauty see ! 
When shall I see thee face to face ! 

My tears have fxowed by day and night, 
When I have felt thy chastening rod ; 
But wicked men enjoyed the sight 
And mocking asked : wher's now thy Grod f 

Where art thou, Lord! my life, my all ? 
Thou art above, around, within; 
Whatever betides, on thee I'll call, 
To save me, and to pardon sin. 

Joy, then, and endless jubilee; 
Divine reward of faith and love ; 

1 hear the strains of harmony 
From the triumphant Church above. 



HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 



63 



Why, then, my soul, art thou depressed ? 
God is thy drink and he thy food, — 
Bequeathed to thee — his last bequest — 
His body and his precious blood. 

Trust, then, in him for he is good, 
He gives what he alone can give ; 
He gives himself to be thy food, 
That thou with him mayst ever live. 

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 

Iy . And let my cry come unto thee 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

1^. Thanks be to Grod. 

> 7 . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 

^. Amen. 



Zhe 1bol£ Season ot lent 



penance. 

y. O Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. 0 God! incline unto my aid. 
1$. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

HDoration. 

Come, let us adore Jesus in the blessed 
Sacrament. 

Let us go to him who is ever ready to 
receive the greatest sinner. 

Let us go to him who died for our sins 
on the cross, and who washed them away 
in his most precious blood. 

Come, let us adore the merciful God who 
left the ninety nine sheep in the desert, and 
went after the one which was lost. 

Come, let us adore the merciful God who 
left his throne of glory in heaven, to go in 
search of the lost sheep. 

(64) 



ON PENANCE. 



65 



Come, let us return to him with a sorrow- 
ful heart. Let us implore his mercy , pros- 
trate ourselves before his throne, and 
humbly adore him with his Angels and 
Saints: 

Holy, holy, holy art thou Lord, Grod of 
Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Grlory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation. 

0 Lord! who by thy love didst create me, 
I come to thee in the bitterness of my soul, 
to confess that I am a poor sinner. 

In the arrogance of my heart I have 
defiled, O Grod! thy image that was in me. 

1 have sinned against heaven and before 
thee, O heavenly Father! and am unworthy 
to be called thy child. 

We have all sinned. We have done un- 
justly. We have committed iniquity. But 
this day, we return to thee, O Grod! 

Give ear, O Lord! to our humble suppli- 
cations and mercifully hear us. 

We wish to return from the way of error 
to the path of justice. 

Graciously receive us, 0 Grod! and merci- 
fully listen to the prayers which I offer thee 
during this hour, for my own sins, for the 



66 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



sins of the whole world, and especially for 
those of niy friends and benefactors. 

Accept them also and in particular, 0 
my Grod! as satisfaction for the outrages 
and insults which thou sufferest in the 
blessed Sacrament, and for all the coldness 
and indifference with which men treat thee 
in this most holy mystery. 

And as my prayers come from an unclean 
heart and defiled lips. I unite them with 
the fervent prayers of all the just, but 
especially with those which the holy Church 
continuously sends to heaven. 

Have mercy on us. therefore. OLord! 
according to thy great mercy. 

fflMserere 2)omine!*) 

Soul of Jesus. make me holy. 
Make me contrite, meek, and lowly: 
Soul most stainless, soul divine. 
Cleanse this sordid soul of mine : 
Hallow this polluted soul. 
Purify it. make it whole; 
Soul of Jesus, hallow me: 
Miserere Domine! 



*) "Miserere Domine!' 1 means "Lord, have mercy!" 



ON PENANCE. 67 



Save me, body of my Lord! 

Save a sinner vile, abhorred; 

Sacred body, wan and worn, 

Braised and mangled, crushed and torn ; 

Pierced hands and feet and side ; 

Scourged, insulted, crucified; 

Save me, to the cross I flee, 

Miserere Domine! 

Miserere ! let me be 
Never parted, Lord! from thee; 
Guard me from my ruthless foe, 
Guard me from eternal woe ; 
In the dreadful judgment day, 
Be thy cross my hope and stay ; 
When the hour of death is near, 
And my spirit faints for fear, 
Call me with thy voice of love, 
Place me near to thee above, 
With thine angel-host to raise 
Never ending hymns of praise. 

Zhe Seven penitential psalms, 

1. penitential psalm. 

Lord! rebuke me not in thy indignation, 
nor chastise me in thy wrath. 

Have mercy on me, O Lord! for I am 
weak; heal me, O Lord! for my bones are 
troubled. 



68 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

And my soul is troubled exceedingly ; but 
thou, 0 Lord! 0 Lord! how long? 

Turn to me, O Lord! and deliver my 
soul: 0 save me! for thy mercy's sake. 

For there is no one in death that is mindful 
of thee: who shall confess to thee in hell? 

I have labored in my groanings; every 
night , I will wash my bed: I will water my 
couch with my tears. 

My eye is troubled through indignation : 
I have grown old amongst all my enemies. 

Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity : 
for the Lord hath heard the voice of my 
weeping. 

The Lord hath heard my supplications, 
the Lord hath heard my prayers. 

Let all my enemies be ashamed and be 
very much troubled: let them be turned 
back and be ashamed very speedily. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

PRAYER. 

Turn away thy face from our sins, 0 
Lord! and blot out all our iniquities. 

Take from thine eyes the guilt of our 
sinful pleasures, and mercifully incline thine 
ear to our confession. 



ON PENANCE. 



69 



Have mercy, we beseech thee, upon us 
thy supplicants, 0 thou, that lookest with 
pity upon them that are in affliction. 

The publican who stood afar off and 
struck his breast found forgiveness; do 
thou in like manner mercifully hear us 
sinners. 

Graciously hear us, 0 Lord, our God! 
and forgetting our iniquities, remember 
only thine own mercy. 

Graciously hear us, we beseech thee, 0 
thou that forbiddest us to sin; that com- 
mandest us to repent ; that permittest us to 
pray. 

Thy patience awaits our return to the 
needed repentance; thy justice inspires us 
with a fear of thy future judgment; thy 
mercy shows us how we may avoid death. 

May our sacrifices find favor in thine 
eyes; our sins, pardon; our wounds, cure; 
our sighs, pity; our chastisements, conso- 
lation; our tears, joy; our days, peace; 
our prayers, reward. 

2* penitential psalm* 

Blessed are they whose iniquities are 
forgiven ; and whose sins are covered 

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord 
hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit 
there is no guile. 



70 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Because I was silent, my bones grew old, 
whilst I cried out all the day long. 

For day and night thy hand was heavy 
upon me : I am turned in my anguish whilst 
the thorn is fastened. 

I have acknowledged my sins to thee, 
and my injustice I have not concealed. 

I said, I will confess against myself my 
injustice to the Lord : and thou hast forgiven 
the wickedness of my sin. 

For this shall every one that is holy pray 
to thee, in a seasonable time. 

And yet in a flood of many waters, they 
shall not come nigh unto him. 

Thou art my refuge from the trouble 
which hath encompassed me: my joy, 
deliver me from them that surround me. 

I will give thee understanding and I will 
instruct thee in this way, in which thou 
shalt go : I will fix my eyes upon thee. 

Do not become like the horse and the 
mule, that have no understanding. 

With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws: 
who come near unto thee. 

Many are the scourges of the sinner, but 
mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in 
the Lord. 

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, ye just, 
and glory all ye right of heart. 
GUory be to the Father, etc, 



ON PENANCE. 



71 



0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

PRAYER. 

0 almighty and eternal Glod ! spare those 
that repent; show mercy to those that 
humbly entreat thee. 

O Grod! who desirest the conversion and 
not the death of sinners, graciously consider 
the weakness of human nature. 

O Glod! who art appeased by humiliation, 
and pacified by satisfaction, incline to our 
prayers the ear of thy mercy. 

O God! who forgavest the Ninivites when 
they did penance, look also mercifully down 
upon our penance, and forgive us our sins. 

Hear us, 0 Lord! for thy mercy is kind; 
look upon us, O Lord! according to the 
multitude of thy mercies. 

Spare, 0 Lord! 0 spare thy people, and 
shut not the mouths of those who praise 
thee. 

Look down, 0 Lord! and take pity, for 
we have sinned against thee. 

Help us, 0 Grod, our Saviour! and deliver 
us for the glory of thy name. 



72 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



3. penitential psalm. 

Rebuke me not, 0 Lord! in thy indigna- 
tion, nor chastise me in thy wrath. 

For thy arrows are fastened in me, and 
thy hand hath been strong upon me, 

There is no health in my flesh because of 
thy wrath; there is no peace for my bones 
because of my sins. 

For my iniquities are gone over my head: 
and as a heavy burden are become heavy 
upon me. 

My sores are putrified and corrupted, 
because of my foolishness. 

I am become miserable and am bowed 
down even to the end: I walk sorrowful all 
the day long. 

For my loins are filled with illusions : and 
there is no health in my flesh. 

I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly ; 
I roared with the groaning of my heart. 

Lord! all my desire is before thee, and 
my groaning is not hid from thee. 

My heart is troubled, my strength hath 
left me: and the light of my eyes itself is 
not with me. 

My friends and my neighbors have drawn 
near and stood against me. 

And they that were near me stood afar 
off: and they that sought my soul used 
violence. 



ON PENANCE. 



73 



And they that sought evils to me spoke 
vain things : and studied deceits all the day 
long. 

But I, as a deaf man, heard not: and was 
as a dumb man, not opening my mouth. 

And I became as a man that heareth not, 
and that hath no reproof in his mouth. 

For in thee, O Lord! have I hoped: thou 
wilt hear me, O Lord my God! 

For I said: Lest any time my enemies 
rejoice over me: and whilst my feet are 
moved, they speak great things against me. 

For I am ready for scourges: and my 
sorrow is continually before me. 

For I will declare my iniquity, and I will 
•think of my sin. 

But my enemies live and are stronger 
than I ; and they that hate me wrongfully 
are multiplied. 

They that render evil for good have 
detracted me, because I followed goodness. 

Forsake me not, O Lord, my God! do 
not thou depart from me. 

Attend unto my help, 0 Lord! the God 
of my salvation. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 



74 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



PEA YES. 

0 Grod ! I cry unto thee with the prodigal : 
Father, I have sinned against heaven and 
before thee ; I am no longer worthy to be 
called thy child. 

1 have gone astray like a sheep that is 
lost. O seek thy servant, for I have not 
forgotten thy commandments. 

Enter not into judgment with thy servant, 
0 Lord! O spare me for thy mercies 7 sake. 

Thou whose property is always to have 
mercy and to spare, O meet me in pity, 
embrace me in love, and forgive me all my 
sins. 

I confess my sins 'unto thee, 0 Christ! 
healer of our souls, 0 Lord of Life! Heal 
me of my spiritual sickness, thou who art 
long-suffering and of tender mercy. Heal 
me, O Lord Jesus! 

O Grod! unto whom every heart is open, 
every desire known, and from whom no 
secret is hid, and who givest life to our 
souls, graciously accept my supplications. 

O heavenly Father ! who wiliest not that 
any sinner should perish, give me true 
repentance for my sins, that I perish not. 

To what misery am I come by my own 
fault ! O merciful Grod ! pity and forgive me 
for Jesus' sake. 



ON PENANCE. 



75 



Thine eyes, 0 Grod! are as a flame of fire 
searching my inmost heart. 0 pardon my 
sin, for it is great. 

Dear Jesus! speak for me, plead for me, 
come between my sinful soul and my offended 
G-od, that I perish not. 

4* penitential psalm* 

Have mercy on me, 0 Grod! according to 
thy great mercy. 

And according to the multitude of thy 
tender mercies, blot out my iniquities. 

Wash me yet more from my iniquity: 
and cleanse me from my sin. 

For I know my iniquity, and my sin is 
always before me. 

To thee only have I sinned and done evil 
before thee, that thou mayest be justified in 
thy words, and mayest overcome when thou 
art judged. 

For behold, I was conceived in iniquities: 
and in sins did my mother conceive me. 

For behold thou hast loved truth: the 
uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom 
thou hast made manifest unto me. 

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and 
I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me, and 
I shall be made whiter than snow. 

To my hearing thou shalt give joy and 



76 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



gladness : and the bones that were humbled 
shall rejoice. 

Turn away thy face from my sins ; and 
blot out all my iniquities. 

Create a clean heart in me, 0 Gk>d! and 
renew a right spirit within my bowels. 

Cast me not away from thy face, and 
take not thy holy spirit from me. 

Eestore unto me the joy of thy salvation, 
and strengthen me with a perfect spirit. 

I will teach the unjust thy ways; and the 
wicked shall be converted to thee. 

Deliver me from blood, 0 Grod! thou G-od 
of my salvation ! and my tongue shall extol 
thy justice. 

O Lord! thou wilt open my hps, and my 
mouth shall declare thy praise. 

For if thou hadst desired sacrifice. I would 
surely have given it: with burnt-offerings 
thou wilt not be delighted. 

A sacrifice to G-od is an afflicted spirit : a 
contrite and humbled heart, 0 God! thou 
wilt not despise. 

Deal favorably, 0 Lord ! in thy good will 
with Sion: that the walls of Jerusalem may 
be built up. 

Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of 
justice, oblations, and whole-burnt offerings i 
then shall they lay calves upon thine altars. 



ON PENANCE, 



77 



PBAYER. 

Come, let us adore our Lord in the blessed 
Sacrament, and lay our sins before his 
tabernacle. 

Come, be converted unto me, saith the 
Lord. Let us go, then, and pour out our 
tears before him. 

Let us hasten to avert the wrath of Grod ; 
let us weep and cry: O thou that takest 
away the sins of the world, have mercy on us ! 

Let us change our dress for ashes and 
sack-cloth; let us fast and weep in the 
presence of our Lord ; for our Grod is very 
merciful. 

Let us throw off the effeminacy of the 
flesh, redouble the gifts of the spirit, and 
suffer with Christ. 

Let us bow down our heads to Grod, and 
say to him: Spare, 0 Lord! spare thy 
people, that having been justly chastised, 
we may find comfort in thy mercy. 

5* penitential psalm. 

Hear, 0 Lord! my prayers: and let my 
cry come unto thee. 

Turn not away thy face from me: in the 
day when I am in trouble incline thine ear 
to me. 



78 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



In what day soever I shall call upon thee : 
hear me speedily. 

For my days are vanished like smoke; 
and my bones are grown dry like fuel for 
the fire. 

I am smitten as grass, and my heart is 
withered: because I forgot to eat my bread. 

Through the voice of my groaning, my 
bone hath cleaved to my flesh. 

I am become like to a pelican of the 
wilderness ; I am like a night-raven in the 
house. 

I have watched and am become as a 
sparrow all alone on the house-top. 

All the day long my enemies reproached 
me, and they that praised me did swear 
against me. 

For I did eat ashes like bread, and mingled 
my drink with weeping. 

Because of thy anger and indignation 
for having lifted me up, thou hast thrown 
me down. 

My days have declined like a shadow; 
and I am withered like grass. 

But thou, O Lord! endurest forever: and 
thy memorial to all generations. 

Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion ; 
for it is time to have mercy on it, for the 
time is come. 

For the stones thereof have pleased thy 



ON PENANCE. 



79 



servants : and they shall have pity on the 
earth thereof. 

And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, 0 
Lord! and all the kings of the earth thy 
glory. 

For the Lord hath built up Sion ; and he 
shall be seen in his glory. 

He hath regard to the prayer of the 
humble; and he hath not despised their 
petition. 

Let these things be written unto another 
generation; and the people that shall be 
created shall praise the Lord. 

Because he hath looked forth from his 
high sanctuary: from heaven the Lord hath 
looked upon the earth. 

That he might hear the prayers of them 
that are in fetters: that he might release 
the children of the slain. 

That they may declare the name of the 
Lord in Sion; and his praise in Jerusalem. 

When the people assembled together, and 
kings to serve the Lord. 

He answered him in the way of his 
strength: declare unto me the fewness of 
my days. 

Call me not away in the midst of my 
days: thy years are unto generation and 
generation. 

In the beginning, 0 Lord! thou foundest 



80 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



the earth : and the heavens are the works 
of thy hands. 

They shall perish but thou reniainest: 
and all of them shall grow old like a garment. 

And as a vesture thou shalt change them, 
and they shall be changed: but thou art 
always the self -same, and thy years shall 
not fail. 

The children of thy servants shall con- 
tinue; and their seed shall be directed 
forever. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

PRAYEE. 

My Lord and my God! I sincerely 
acknowledge that I am a vile and wretched 
sinner, unworthy to appear in thy presence: 
but do thou have mercy on me and save me. 

Most loving Father ! I have sinned against 
heaven and before thee, and am unworthy 
to be called thy child; make me at least as 
one of thy servants. 

It truly grieves me, 0 God! to have 
sinned ! but wash rne now from my iniquity ; 
cleanse me from my sins ; and assist me to 
bring forth worthy fruits of penance. 



ON PENANCE. 



81 



Oh, that I had never trangressed thy 
commandments ! that I had never sinned ! 
Happy those who have preserved their 
innocence! Oh, that I had been so happy! 

Now, however, I am resolved, with the 
help of thy grace, to be more watchful over 
myself, to amend my life, to serve thee 
more faithfully. 

Look down upon me with eyes of mercy, 
0 God! and blot out my sins. Forgive me 
what is past, and secure me against all my 
wonted failings for the time to come. 

Thou didst come, O Redeemer! not to 
call the just, but sinners to repentance; 
behold, a miserable sinner here before thy 
tabernacle. 

Have mercy on me, 0 Grod! according to 
thy great mercy. Sprinkle me with thy 
precious blood, and I shall be whiter than 
snow. Help me, O Lord! and have com- 
passion on my sinful soul. 

6* penitential psalm. 

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, 0 
Lord! Lord! hear my voice. 

Let my ears be attentive to the voice of 
my supplications. 

If thou, O Lord! wilt mark iniquities: 
Lord! who shall stand? 

For with thee there is merciful forgive- 



82 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



ness: and by reason of thy law, I have 
waited for thee, 0 Lord! 

My soul hath relied on his word: my 
soul hath hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night, 
let Israel hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy, and 
with him plentiful redemption. 

And he shall redeem Israel from all 
his iniquities. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

HYMN FOE PARDON. 

Saviour ! when in dust to thee 
Low we bend the adoring knee ; 
When repentant to the skies 
Scarce we lift our streaming eyes ; 
Oh, by all the pains and woe 
Suffered once for man below ; 
Bending from thy throne on high, 
Hear our solemn Litany. 

By thy birth and early years, 
By thy human griefs and fears, 
By thy fasting and distress, 
In the lonely wilderness, 



ON PENANCE, 



83 



By thy victory in the hour 
Of the subtle tempter's power; 
Jesus ! look with pitying eye ; 
Hear our solemn Litany. 

By thine hour of dark despair, 

By thine agony of prayer. 

By thy purple robe of scorn, 

By thy wounds, thy crown of thorn, 

By thy cross, thy pangs and cries, 

By thy perfect sacrifice, 

J esus ! look with pitying eye ; 

Hear our solemn Litany. 

By thy deep expiring groan, 
By thy sealed sepulchral stone, 
By thy triumph o'er the grave, 
By thy power from death to save ; 
Mighty Grod ! ascended Lord ! 
To thy throne in heaven restored, 
Prince and Saviour! hear our cry, 
Hear our solemn Litany. 

7* penitential psalm* 

Hear, 0 Lord! my prayer: give ear to 
my supplication in thy truth: hear me in 
thy justice. 

And enter not into judgment with thy 
servant, for in thy sight no man living can 
be justified. 



84 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



For the enemy hath persecuted my soul ; 
he hath brought down my life to the earth. 

He hath made me to dwell in darkness as 
those that have been dead of old ; and my 
spirit is in anguish within me; my heart 
within me is troubled. 

I remember the days of old ; I meditated 
on all the works of thy hands. 

I stretched forth my hands to thee : my 
soul is as earth without water unto thee. 

Hear me speedily, 0 Lord! my spirit 
hath fainted away. 

Turn not away thy face from me, lest I 
be like unto them that go down into the pit. 

Cause me to hear thy name in the 
morning , for in thee have I hoped. 

Make the way known to me wherein I 
should walk, for I have lifted up my soul 
to thee. 

Deliver me from my enemies, 0 Lord! to 
thee have I fled ; teach me to do thy will, 
for thou art my Grod. 

Thy good spirit shall lead me into the 
right land: for thy name's sake, 0 Lord! 
thou wilt quicken me in thy justice. 

Thou wilt bring my soul out of trouble: 
and in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my 
enemies. 

And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict 
my soul, for I am thy servant. 



ON PENANCE. 



85 



Grlory be to the Father, etc. 
0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

PRAYERS. 

0 G-od ! whose property is always to have 
mercy and to spare: receive our petitions, 
that we and all thy servants, who are bound 
by the chain of sin, may, by the compassion 
of thy goodness, mercifully be absolved. 

Hear, we beseech thee, O Lord! the 
prayers of thy supplicants, and pardon us 
our sins who confess them to thee ; that of 
thy bounty thou mayest grant us pardon 
and peace. 

Out of thy clemency, 0 Lord! show us 
thy unspeakable mercy ; that so thou mayest 
both acquit us of our sins, and deliver us 
from the punishment we deserve for them. 

O God ! who by sin art offended and by 
penance pacified, mercifully regard our 
prayers, and turn away the scourges of thy 
anger, which we deserve for our sins. 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Conclusion* 

O Lord Jesus Christ! I offer thee the 
prayers of this hour in the same intention, 

4 



86 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



with which thou didst offer the merits of 
thy most holy life, sacred passion and death 
to thy heavenly Father. 

Accept them graciously, and give us the 
desired forgiveness. Cleanse us from our 
sins, and receive us again as thy children. 

O sorrowful Mother of God! present to 
him, who was sacrificed for sin, the sacrifice 
of a sinner's prayer. 

It is through thee the sinner comes to 
God, for this God has come to the sinner 
through thee, 0 thou, the Mediatrix between 
God and man. 

It was for the sake of sinners that thou 
wast made worthy of such a Son: therefore, 
do not despise us sinners. 

It was because there were sinners to be 
redeemed that thou wast made Mother 
of the Redeemer; therefore, receive the 
humble prayers of these sinners, and present 
them to our Sovereign Lord. 

This Lord let me now greet once more, 
saying to him from my heart : 

Praised and adored be without end ; 

Jesus, our Lord, in the most blessed 
Sacrament. 



ON PENANCE. 

1b\>mn» 

I come to thee, my Love! 
From ways of grief and pain 
I come to thee, my Love! 
Who here in light dost reign. 
The tempest raves without, 
The angry billows roll, 
But here thy peace is mine, 
Thou Lover of my soul ! 

I long, when far away, 
To be with thee again, 
"Where treasures of thy grace 
Fall like the silent rain. 
O veiled and hidden Love ! 

0 loving, gracious Lord! 
From thee the silver showers 
Upon my heart are poured. 

The storm of pain and grief 
Bends me beneath its power ; 

1 have no help but thee 
In sorrow's darkest hour. 
0 help me, then, my Love! 
For I am dark and lone, 
And joy and light are thine 
Upon this altar-throne. 



88 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear ray prayer. 

fy. And let my cry come unto thee. 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

1^. Thanks be to God. 

y . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 

1^. Amen. 



passion of Cbrtst 



y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

J. 0 Grod! incline unto my aid. 
Iy. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning , etc. 

Hfcoratton* 

^OME, let us adore our Lord who has 
suffered for us. 

Let us give him thanks for his bitter 
passion and death. 

For by his passion he has redeemed the 
world, and opened heaven to mankind. 

Let us, therefore, gratefully remember all 
the sufferings he has endured for us poor 
sinners. 

Let us praise and glorify him for all he 
has done for us. 

Come, let us unite our sinful prayers 
with the pure and holy songs of the Angels 
and Saints and devoutly join in their: 
(89) 



90 THE HOLY SEASON OE LENT. 

Holy, holy , holy, Lord God of Hosts ! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation* 

Look down, 0 pitiful Father! from the 
throne of thy majesty and the lofty habita- 
tion of thy heaven, and behold thy beloved 
Son hanging on the cross, his sacred body 
all racked and torn with cruel wounds. 

Look down upon the spotless lamb, who 
opened not his mouth when in the jaws of 
the wolves to speak one word of deprecation 
or complaint. 

Behold thy most beloved Son, our sweet 
Jesus, shedding his precious blood with 
most profuse liberality. 

Remember, O most compassionate Father ! 
who it is that suffers thus ; and remember 
in thy mercy for whom he suffers. 

The ingratitude, the sins and crimes of 
men are indeed great. I myself have often 
offended thee, O my God and Creator! 

But did our Lord not do ample penance 
for all? Did he not shed his blood even for 
the greatest sinner? 

Suffer thyself, then, O heavenly Father! 
to be touched with that great sight which 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



91 



thy only begotten Son hath set before thee 
on the cross, and by the satisfaction he 
hath made for our sins. 

Remember all his groanings; remember 
all his sufferings ; while he prayed for those 
that crucified him, saying: Father forgive 
them! 

Trusting, therefore, in the bitter passion 
and death of our divine Redeemer, I come to 
thee, O my Grocl! to pray during this hour 
for myself, my friends, my relations, and 
for the whole world. 

Graciously receive my humble prayers, and 
grant us the desired forgiveness, mercy, 
grace, and salvation. 

Behold! thy beloved Son even now con- 
tinues his prayers for us. 

Behold! the same sacrifice which he 
offered on Grood Friday on the cross, is 
daily renewed upon our altars, and his 
precious body and blood which he then 
sacrificed for us, is really and truly present 
in our tabernacles. 

For his sake, then, have mercy on us; 
blot out our sins, and lead us to thy heavenly 
kingdom. 



92 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



A wondrous mystery this day 
Reveals itself before our eyes ; 
The true Son of the living G-od 
Upon the cross in torment dies. 

To advocate a servant's cause, 
He takes that servant's guilty guise; 
The master suffers for the slave ; 
The just man for the sinner dies. 

The emblem of his cruel death 
And triumph, we behold impressed 
Upon the robe, which, with its folds, 
His mangled body did invest. 

They are the signs of victory won 
O'er death, o'er hell, and o'er the world; 
They are the trophies which our chief 
Displays triumphantly unfurled. 

This gratitude at least we owe 
To him who brought eternal life, 
That 'neath his banner we should stand, 
And fight and conquer in the strife. 

Then let us die to all our sins, 
And let us rise to life of grace j 
That by the cross we may deserve 
To see the glory of thy face. 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



93 



Grant this, 0 Father merciful! 
And thou, his own co-equal Son! 
Grant this, O Spirit! who dost bear 
The sceptre while the ages run. 

praters of St, pins V. 

Lord Jesus Christ, my crucified Saviour! 
Son of the most blessed Virgin Mary ! open 
thy ear and listen to me, as thou didst listen 
to thy Eternal Father on Mount Thabor. 

Lord Jesus Christ, my crucified Saviour! 
Son of the most blessed Virgin Mary ! open 
thy eyes and look down upon me as thou 
didst look down, from the tree of the cross, 
upon thy sorrowing and afflicted Mother. 

Lord Jesus Christ, my crucified Saviour! 
Son of the most blessed Virgin Mary! open 
thy sacred lips and speak to me, as thou 
didst speak to St. John, when thou gavest 
him as a son to thy beloved Mother. 

Lord Jesus Christ, my crucified Saviour! 
Son of the most blessed Virgin Mary! open 
thy arms and embrace me, as thou didst 
open them on the tree of the cross, to 
embrace the whole human race. 

Lord Jesus Christ, my crucified Saviour! 
Son of the most blessed Virgin Mary ! open 
thy heart and accept mine, and graciously 
hear my prayer, if such be the pleasure of 
thy most holy will, 



94 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



£be Sorrowful masteries of tbe 
IRosar^ 

I* 5esus Sweating JSlcofc, 

Eternal Father ! look on the face of thy 
Christ. Behold this thy beloved Son. 
trembling, agonizing, and sweating blood. 

But, my Jesus ! in this garden there are 
no executioners to scourge thee, nor thorns, 
nor nails to torture thee : what, then, extracts 
so much blood from thee! 

Ah, I understand this! It was not the 
foresight of thy future sufferings that then 
afflicted thee so grievously ; for to these 
pains thou didst spontaneously offer thyself. 

It was the sight of our sins, of my sins. 
These were the cruel press which forced so 
much blood from thy sacred veins. 

Hence it was not the executioner, nor the 
nails, nor the thorns, but my sins which 
made thee so sorrowful in the garden. 

Had I been guilty of fewer sins, thou 
wouldst have suffered less. 

Behold ! then the return I have made for 
thy love in dying for me. I have added to 
thy great sufferings. 

My beloved Lord! I repent for having 
offended thee. 1 am sorry for my sins. 

Oh, through the bitter agony which thou 



PASSION OF CHKIST. 



95 



didst suffer in the garden , give me a portion 
of that abhorrence which thon didst then 
feel for my sins. 

/ believe in God the Father etc. Glory be to the 
Father etc. Our Father etc. O Sacrament most holy y etc. 
The first decade of the sorrowful rosary. 

H. 5esus Being Scourged 

My sweet Saviour! I see thee covered 
with wounds. 

I behold thy beautiful countenance, but, 
O my Grod! it no longer wears its comely 
appearance. It is disfigured with blood, 
bruises and shameful spittings. 

From the sole of thy foot to the top of 
thy head, there is no soundness in thee. 

But, O my God! the more I see thee thus 
disfigured, the . more lovely and beautiful 
dost thou appear to me. 

For what are these disfigurements that I 
behold, but signs of that love which thou 
dost bear towards me? 

Who, save thou, O my Lord! has endured 
forme such cruel scourging and loss of blood? 

Give me, then, the grace to love thee, who 
was thus wounded and torn for me. 

The second decade of the sorrowful rosary. 

in. Jesus CrowneD witb tborns, 

O sinful thoughts of men! you pierced 
the sacred head of my Redeemer, 



96 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Yes, my Jesus! our criminal consent to 
sin has formed thy thorny crown. 

0 my afflicted -Saviour! O king of the 
world! to what do I see thee reduced? 

1 behold thee a king of mockery and 
sorrow. I see thee the laughing-stock of 
all Jerusalem. 

From thy wounded head, streams of blood 
flow down upon thy face and breast. 

Not content with having left no sound 
spot on thy body, thy enemies continue to 
torment thee with fresh cruelties and in- 
sults. 

But, O my Grod! how great w^as thy 
patience amidst those unspeakable suffer- 
ings! 

"Who when he was reviled did not revile ; 
when he suffered, he threatened not; but 
delivered himself to him that judged him 
unjustly? " 

Thou, O Jesus ! wast willing to be crowned 
with thorns to obtain for us a crown of 
glory in heaven. 

O assist us that we may never lose this 
crown by committing sin. 

The third decade of the sorrowful rosary. 

IV. Jesus Carrying IRis Cross- 

My Jesus ! since Grod had burdened thee 
with all the sins of mankind, my sins, alas! 



PASSION OF CHBIST. 



97 



have added to the weight of the cross thou 
didst carry to Calvary. 

How heavy was this cross, that caused 
thee to fall thrice beneath its weight ! 

O cross ! 0 sweet and noble tree ! thou art 
my salvation. 

If Christ had not carried thee to Mount 
Calvary, what would have become of me ? 

O Lord ! give me the grace to follow thee 
on the way of the cross. 

The fourth decade of the sorrowful rosary, 

v. Jesus WyiwQ on tbe Cross. 

0 Saviour of the world, O my Jesus! 
behold to what thy love for men has at 
length reduced thee ! 

O what was it that nailed thy hands and 
feet to the wood of the cross, but the love 
thou didst bear to us sinners ! 

By the pain of thy pierced hands, thou 
hast been willing to pay the penalty due to all 
the sins of touch that men have committed. 

By the pain of thy sacred feet, thou hast 
been willing to pay for all the steps by 
which we went astray. 

O my crucified Love! with thy pierced 
hands give me thy benediction. 

Nail this ungrateful heart of mine to thy 
feet, that I may no more depart from thee, 
but ever remain steadfastly fixed in thy love. 

The fifth decade of the sorrowful rosary. 



98 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Salutation of tbe Sacreb Xtmbs of 
3e0U6* 

Hail, tender Limbs of my Lord Jesus 
Christ! tormented with manifold pain for 
our salvation. 

Hail, thou adorable Head! crowned for 
us with thorns, and stricken with the reed. 

Hail, most worshipful Face ! for us spit 
upon and smitten. 

Hail, most gentle Eyes of our Saviour! 
for us suffused with tears. 

Hail, sacred Mouth ! filled for us with 
vinegar and gall. 

Hail, most noble Ears! pierced for us 
with reproach and contumely. 

Hail , venerable Hands and Arms ! stretched 
out for us upon the cross. 

Hail, divine Breast! disquieted for us and 
mangled. 

Hail, adorable Knees! so often bent in 
prayer for us, now crushed and out of joint. 

Hail, worshipful Feet ! pierced for us with 
the nails. 

Hail, glorious Side! opened for us with 
the soldier's lance. 

Hail, noble Body of my Jesus! for us 
hanged on the cross, torn and wounded, 
dead and buried. 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



99 



Hail, Sacred Heart ! broken for us on the 
cross. 

Hail, thrice-holy Soul of Jesus! sorrowful 
for us even unto death. 

Hail, most precious Blood! flowing so 
lavishly from the wounds of Jesus. 

Hail, adorable Wounds of my Saviour! 
tokens of his love and price of our redemp- 
tion, inflicted on Jesus in his passion, and 
now radiant as stars in the highest heaven. 

Oh! write my name in these thy wounds, 
good Jesus! and hide me therein from the 
face of the tempter. 

By the many wounds and merits of all 
thy sacred limbs, vouchsafe to my soul at 
its departure hence that innocence which 
thou hast acquired for thy Church by their 
anguish and pain. 

praise of tbe Works anfc Sufferings 
of Christ 

O Jesus ! praised be that laying-aside of 
thy majesty, in which thou didst take the 
form of a poor servant. 

Praised be the misery which thou didst 
endure for thirty-three years, that thou 
mightest bring us to the inheritance of 
eternal bliss. 

Praised be all the works, the distress and 



100 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

sweat of thy pilgrimage , through which 
thou hast healed our anxieties and siknesses. 

Praised be the poverty, the watchings 
and the works of penance, by which thou 
art become to us a father of mercy. 

Praised be each and every drop of thy 
precious and rosy blood, by which thou 
hast redeemed and sanctified the human 
soul. 

Praised be the precious wounds of thy 
holy hands and feet, by which thou hast 
secured and appropriated us to thyself. 

Praised be thy side that was pierced, out 
of which flowed water and blood for the 
washing away of our sins. 

Praised be thy divine heart, sweeter than 
honey, which thy strong love caused to 
break in death. 

Praised be the pure flesh of thy most 
worthy manhood, in which thou becamest 
our brother and mediator. 

Praised be the precious pledge of thy most 
noble soul, by which thou didst redeem us 
from the snares of perdition. 

Praised be the bitterness of thine igno- 
minious death, to which the strength of 
thy love compelled thee. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



101 



praters in Ibonor of Eacb fl>am of 
Cbnst 

O my Jesus ! by that humiliation which 
thou didst practice in washing the feet of 
thy disciples, I pray thee to bestow upon 
me the grace of true humility, so that I 
may humble myself to all, especially to such 
as treat me with contempt. 

My Jesus! by that sorrow which thou 
didst endure in the Garden sufficient as it 
was to cause thy death, I pray thee to deliver 
me from the sorrow of eternal death. 

My Jesus ! by that horror which thou didst 
have of my sins, in that same Garden of 
Olives, give me a true sorrow for all the 
offences which I have committed against 
thee. 

My Jesus! by that pain which thou 
didst experience at seeing thyself betrayed 
by Judas with a kiss, give me the grace to 
be faithful to thee until death. 

My Jesus ! by that pain which thou didst 
feel at seeing thyself bound like a culprit, to 
be taken before the judges, I pray thee to 
bind me to thyself by the sweet chains of 
holy love, that so I may nevermore see my- 
self separated from thee, my only Good. 

My Jesus! by all those insults, buffetings, 
and spittings which thou didst suffer in the 



102 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



house of Caiphas, give me strength to 
endure in peace, for love of thee, all the 
affronts which I shall meet with from men. 

My Jesus! by that ridicule which thou 
didst receive from Herod in being treated 
as a fool, give me the grace to suffer with 
patience all that men shall say of me, when 
treating me as base, senseless, or wicked. 

My Jesus ! by that outrage which thou didst 
receive from the Jews when Barrabas was 
preferred to thee, give me the grace to suffer 
with patience the humiliation of seeing my- 
self less esteemed than others. 

My Jesus! by that pain which thou didst 
endure in thy most holy body when thou 
wast so cruelly scourged, give me the grace 
to suffer with patience all the pains of my 
sicknesses, and especially those of my death. 

My Jesus ! by that pain which thou didst 
suffer in thy most sacred head when it was 
crowned with thorns, give me the grace 
never to consent to thoughts that may dis- 
please thee. 

My Jesus ! by that act of thine whereby 
thou didst accept the death of the cross to 
which Pilate condemned thee, give me the 
grace to accept with resignation my death, 
together with all the pains that shall 
accompany it. 

My Jesus! by the pain which thou didst 



PASSION OF CHKIST. 103 

suffer in carrying the cross on the journey 
to Calvary, give me the grace to accept with 
patience all my crosses in this life. 

My J esus ! by that pain which thou didst 
suffer in having the nails driven through 
thy hands and feet, I pray thee to nail my 
will to thy feet, so that I may will nothing 
save that which thou dost desire. 

My Jesus! by the affliction which thou 
didst suffer in having gall given thee to 
drink, give me the grace not to offend thee 
by intemperance in eating and drinking. 

My Jesus ! by that pain which thou didst 
experience upon the cross in taking leave of 
thy holy Mother, deliver me from an inor- 
dinate love for my relatives, or any other 
creature, so that my heart may be wholly 
and always thine. 

My J esus ! by that desolation which thou 
didst suffer at thy death in seeing thyself 
abandoned by the Eternal Father, give me 
the grace to suffer all my desolations with 
patience, and without ever losing confidence 
in thy goodness. 

My Jesus ! by those three hours of afflic- 
tion and agony which thou didst suffer when 
dying on the cross, give me the grace to 
suffer with resignation, for love of thee, the 
pains of my last agony. 

My Jesus! by that great sorrow which 



104 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT, 



thou didst feel when thy most holy soul 
separated itself from thy sacred body, give 
me the grace to breathe forth my soul, at 
the hour of my death, whilst making an act 
of perfect love, that so I may go to love thee 
in heaven with all my strength, and for all 
eternity. 

%itan\> of tbe passion. 

Lord, have mery on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Jesus, prostrate in the Garden of Olives 

before thy Father, and charged with the 

sins of the whole world, 
Jesus, overwhelmed with sadness, reduced 

to agony and submerged in a sea of 

sorrow, 

Jesus, who from every part of thy body 
didst sweat blood abundantly, 

*) Have mercy on its. 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



105 



Jesus, betrayed by a traitor-apostle and sold 

at a low price, like a slave,*) 
Jesus, giving a loving kiss to the traitor 

Judas, 

Jesus, dragged by a rope through the streets 
of Jerusalem, and overwhelmed with 
curses, 

Jesus, unjustly accused and condemned, 
Jesus, overwhelmed with insults, spat upon 

and buffeted, 
Jesus, clothed in a robe of ignominy and 

treated as a madman in Herod 7 s court, 
Jesus, whose flesh was torn with scourges 

and whose blood flowed plentifully, 
Jesus, crowned with sharp thorns, 
Jesus, treated as a mock king, 
Jesus, placed on a parallel with Barrabas 

who was preferred to thee, 
Jesus, given over to thine enemies by 

Pilate, 

Jesus, exhausted with sufferings and bending 

under the weight of the cross, 
Jesus, fastened to the cross between two 

malefactors, 
Jesus, man of sorrows, 
Jesus, obedient unto death, even the death 

of the cross, 
Jesus, filled with mercy towards those who 

offered thee gall and vinegar. 



*) Have mercy on us. 



106 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Jesus , praying for thy executioners, and 
pleading for them with thy Father,*) 

Jesus, for our redemption sacrificing thine 
honor and life, 

Jesus, expiring on the cross out of love for us. 

Be merciful unto us and pardon us, 0 Lord! 

Be merciful unto us and hear us, O Lord! 

From all evil, **) 

From all sin, 

From a bad death, 

From everlasting damnation, 

By thine agony and bloody sweat, 

By thy cruel scourging, 

By thy crown of thorns, 

By thy cross and sufferings, 

By thy sacred thirst and dereliction, 

By thy five wounds, 

By thy death, 

By thy resurrection. 

At the day of judgment. 

We sinners beseech thee, to hear us. 

That by thy passion thou wouldst make 
known to us the enormity of sin. the 
cause of thy sufferings, t ) 

That by the remembrance of thy sorrows and 
sufferings, we may be enabled patiently 
to bear trials, adversities and sickness, 

*) Have mercy on us. **) O Lord ! deliver us, 
t) We beseech thee to hear us. 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



107 



That in our afflictions, sadness and tribula- 
tions, we may look to thee for patience,*) 

That without murmuring, we may receive, 
from thy hands, humiliations, scorn, out- 
rage and persecution, 

That following thy example, we may 
patiently bear with false accusations and 
unjust judgments, 

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to make us 
share in the fruits of thy cross, 

That by virtue of thy cross we may triumph 
over the devil, the world, and the flesh, 

That we may be purified from all sin in thy 
blood, 

That we may daily take up our cross and 

follow thee, 
That we may frequently and lovingly 

remember thy passion, 
That calling to mind, that thou didst die 

for us, we may love thee with our whole 

heart, and live for thee alone, 
That at the hour of our death thou wilt 

vouchsafe to strengthen us by thy cross 

and death, 

That by thy cross, thou wilt vouchsafe to 

bring us to eternal glory, 
Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 



*) We beseech thee to hear us. 



108 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Lamb of God, etc. 
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord ! 
Lamb of God, etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 

LET US PEAY. 

O Lord Jesus Christ! who to redeem the 
world, didst vouchsafe to be born amongst 
men, to be circumcised, to be rejected and 
persecuted by the Jews, to be betrayed by 
the traitor, Judas, with a kiss, and as a 
lamb, gentle and innocent, to be bound 
with cords and dragged in scorn before the 
tribunals of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and 
Herod; who didst suffer thyself to be 
accused by false witnesses, to be torn by 
the scourge and overwhelmed with oppro- 
brium; to be spit upon, to be crowned with 
thorns, buffeted, struck with a reed, blind- 
folded, stripped of thy garments, to be 
nailed to the cross and raised on it between 
two thieves; to be given gall and vinegar 
to drink, and to be pierced with a lance: 
do thou, O Lord! by these thy most sacred 
pains which I, though unworthy, call to 
mind, and by thy holy cross and death, 
save me from the pains of hell and vouchsafe 
to bring me - whither thou didst bring the 
good thief who was crucified with thee, who 
with the Father and the Holy Ghost. live>t 
and reio-nest God forever and ever. Amen. 



PASSION OF CHRIST. 



109 



Conclusion. 

0 my dear Jesus! I have meditated 
during this hour on thy passion and death ; 
let me never forget what thou hast suffered 

for me. 

Let me hate sin which has caused thee so 
much suffering. 

Let me imitate thee and patiently bear 
all the sufferings and trials of this life. 

Hear the prayers which I have offered to 
thee in honor of thy passion, in behalf 
of myself and those who are in any way 
connected with me. 

Grant that, through thy sufferings, our 
sins may be forgiven, our souls may be 
strengthened, and paradise opened to all. 

1 close this devotion by addressing thee, 
0 crucified Saviour! in the holy Eucharist, 
saying from the depths of my heart and 
with the greatest reverence : 

Praised and adored be without end : 
Jesus, our Lord, in the most blessed 
Sacrament ! 

Soul of Christ! sanctify me; 

Body of Christ ! save me ; 

Blood of Christ ! inebriate me ; 

Water from the side of C hrist ! wash me ; 

Passion of Christ ! strengthen me ; 



110 THE HOLY SEASON OE LENT. 



0 Good Jesus ! hear me ; 

Within thy wounds hide me ; 

Permit me not to be separated from thee ; 

From the wicked enemy defend me : 

In the hour of my death call me ; 

And bid me come to thee, 

That with thy Saints I may praise thee 

For ever and ever. Amen. 

Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
Si. Joseph. 

¥ . 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

^. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

R. Amen. 



Zhc Cross anb tbe 1bol£ 
maounbs of Christ 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
fy. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O Glod! incline unto my aid. 
3^. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

BfcoraUon* 

Come, i et us adore the holy wounds 
which Christ has received for us. 

Come, let us adore the holy cross on 
which he has redeemed mankind. 

Hail ! ye glorious signs of the divine love : 
ye precious wounds which our Lord has 
borne on his bruised body. 

And thou, O holy cross! be saluted a 
thousand times. I devoutly kiss thee; I 
lovingly embrace thee. 

O Jesus, my crucified Love! receive my 
humble thanks for thy cross and holy 
wounds. 

(Ill) 



112 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

I praise thee and humbly adore, in the 
most holy Sacrament, the hands and feet 
which have been pierced for us, and the 
sacred side which has been opened for us. 

0 come, all ye creatures! for whom our 
good Jesus has shed his precious blood, and 
let us in union with all the Angels and 
Saints lovingly sing to him: 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God. of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

■Reparation, 

0 my dear Lord and Saviour ! I prostrate 
myself before thy tabernacle, and in pro- 
found humility adore thy sacred body and 
blood here really and truly present. 

1 believe that it is the same body which 
was fastened to the cross, and the same 
blood which thou didst shed for the redemp- 
tion of mankind. 

Thy sacred body still bears the marks of 
thy cruel passion ; they are the signs of thy 
love and mercy for us sinners. 

0 holy wounds! be praised and adored. 
To you we owe our redemption. 

Alas! how many have no share in this 
redemption? For millions the precious blood 
of Christ has been shed in vain. 



THE GROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 113 

Christ received his sacred wounds for all 
and died for all — but behold the ingratitude 
of men ! 

Cruel nails were driven through the sacred 
hands and feet of the Eedeemer ; his side 
was opened ; his body was treated like that 
of the greatest malefactor. 

Man has no thanks for the patience with 
which thou, 0 Lord! hast suffered all this 
for the redemption of the world. 

This same world continues to heap insults 
upon thee. Thy most sacred body in the 
blessed Sacrament is yet the object of 
hatred; and even those who should know 
thee better and who pretend to be devoted 
to thy holy service, make themselves guilty 
of all kinds of irreverences towards thy 
august presence in this Sacrament of Love. 

O Jesus! forgive us. 0 Jesus! have 
mercy on us. 

O heavenly Father! look graciously down 
upon the sacred face and the holy wounds 
of thy beloved Son, which cry to thee for 
mercy. 

Behold! how thy Jesus is continualty 
praying for us. 

Hear his prayers, and listen to my humble 
supplications, and grant that all poor sinners 
may find refuge and salvation in the cross 
and the holy wounds of our Redeemer. 



114 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Ib^trm. 

Hail, holy wounds of Jesus! hail, 
Sweet pledges of the saving rood, 
Whence flow the streams that never fail, 
The purple streams of his dear blood. 

Brighter than brightest stars ye show, 
Than sweetest rose your scent more rare ; 
No Indian gem may match your glow, 
No honey's taste with your's compare. 

Portals ye are to that dear home 
Wherein our weary souls may hide, 
Whereto no angry foe can come : 
The heart of Jesus crucified. 

What countless stripes our Jesus bore, 
All naked left in Pilate's hall, 
What copious floods of purple gore 
Through rents in his torn garments fall! 

His beauteous brow, oh, shame and grief! 
By the sharp thorny crown is riven ; 
Through hands and feet without relief. 
The cruel nails are rudely driven. 

But when for our poor sake's he died, 
A willing priest, by love subdued, 
The soldier's lance transfixed his side, 
Forth flowed the water and the blood. 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHEIST. 115 

In full atonement of our guilt, 
Careless of self, the Saviour trod — 
Even till his heart's best blood was spilt — 
The wine-press of the wrath of Grod. 

Come, bathe you in that healing flood, 
All ye who mourn, by sin opprest; 
Your only hope is Jesus 7 blood, 
His sacred heart your only rest. 

All praise to him, the eternal Son, 
At Grod ? s right hand enthroned above, 
Whose blood our full redemption won, 
Whose spirit seals the gift of love. 

praises of tbe Cross* 

Let our most beautiful praise magnify the 
victory of the great king of the cross. 

On the cross was conquered the empire 
of death. 

On the cross was made void the hand- 
writing of the sin that was of old. 

On the cross was sacrificed the Lamb for 
the flock. 

By the cross is the world brought back 
into God's favor; it was in Adam sold by a 
tree and by a tree is now redeemed. 

By a tree we w r ere made slaves ; by the 
tree of the cross we are now made freedmen. 



116 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Here was fulfilled the prophecy foretold 
in David's truthful words: "God hath 
reigned from the tree. ? 7 

O cross! thou tree of life, thou bearest 
the life and ransom of the world. 

Thou art the balance whereon the body 
of the Lord was placed; and thereby heil 
lost its prey. 

Thou art the antidote that cures the sting 
of the serpent's wound. 

O mighty cross ! thou drawest the whole 
world to thyself, and with thy two arms 
embracest all mankind. 

O lofty cross ! thou penetratest into the 
depths below, and raisest to heaven the 
captives thou loosest. 

By thee, the Lamb did rescue his sheep 
from the jaws of the wolf. 

On thee, the Lord washed our wounds 
with his own blood. 

O sweet and noble tree ! how vigorous is 
thy growth, when on thy branches hang 
fruits so rare! 

Thy fresh fragrance restores the dead to 
life. He that shelters beneath thy shade, 
rests sweetly. 

Planted near the running waters, thou 
art lovely in thy verdure, and blossoms ever 
fresh bloom on each fair branch. 

Between thine arms hangs the pendant 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 117 

vine, whence wine most sweet flows in a 
ruddy stream. 

O cross! thou art the divine sceptre of 
the king ! 

O cross! thou art the sacred armour of 
my life; the strength of them that wage 
war; for it is our confidence in thee that 
puts our enemies to flight. 

0 cross! consecrated by the body of 
Christ, and adorned by its members as with 
pearls. 

O admirable cross! O desirable cross! 0 
good cross! O cross brighter than all the 
stars ! O star which shineth throughout the 
world; thou the world's glory; our true 
hope and joy; the standard of salvation; 
our protection in dangers, save us; help 
us ; strengthen us ; shield us ! 

O Lamb of the sovereign Father! that by 
thy cross takest away the sins of the world, 
grant that we may be able to comprehend 
the measure of the cross. 

On the cross, thou, 0 Christ! didst slay 
original sin. 

By thy holy cross, cleanse us from our 
guilty stains; have pity on our human 
frailty, and grant pardon to those that have 
fallen. 



5 



118 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT.. 



Zo tbe Cructfieb Saviour, 

0 Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, through 
thee alone, through thy holy cross, do I 
expect salvation. 

Through thy death upon the cross, I have 
received the forgiveness of my sins. 

I, therefore, embrace thy holy cross as 
the sign of my election. 

Thou, 0 Jesus! didst die for me upon 
the cross, and thus didst open the way to 
heaven. 

To thy cross, 0 Lord! I take my refuge. 
Thy cross I will never leave. 

1 believe in thee, O my crucified Love! 
I hope in thee, O my crucified Saviour! 
I love thee, O my crucified Redeemer! 
I call upon thee, 0 my crucified Jesus! 
Have mercy on me for the sake of thy 

bitter passion and death. 

0 Jesus! thy cross and thy holy wounds 
are my only hope. Into thy sacred wounds 
I recommend my soul and my body. 

O painful wounds of my Saviour! at the 
sight of you my heart is filled with com- 
passion. 

Cruel nails! which wounded and trans- 
fixed thy sacred hands and feet, 0 Jesus! 



THE CEOSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 119 

Unmerciful lance! piercing and laying 
open thy divine heart, O Jesus! 

0 most loving Redeemer ! What are these 
wounds on thy sacred body? 

They are signs of the cruelty committed 
against the Son of God by those who owe 
him all adoration, love, and gratitude. 

They are yet more the tokens of thy love, 

0 Jesus! for the sinful world, which thou 
hast redeemed by these holy wounds. 

0 Jesus ! I am written in thy hands and 
engraven in thy heart. 

Thy wounds, O my Jesus! are no more 
my terror, but my refreshment and sweetest 
consolation. 

1 cannot doubt thy ineffable love, the 
infinite extent of which I behold in thy 
sacred wounds. 

O most consoling wounds ! the streams of 
graces gushing from you fill me with delight. 

All the treasures of heaven are enclosed 
in thy wounds, O Jesus! who should not 
find consolation in them? 

The effusions of thy love, the precious 
balsam of salvation issue from them. Who 
should not approach them? 

O Jesus ! with loving confidence I hasten 
to draw from these sources of love whatever 

1 need for soul and body. 



120 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

prater in Honor of tbe jfive Sacrefc 
Mounts 

I thank thee, O Lord Jesus! for the 
painful wound of thy left foot, from "which 
flowed the washing away of our sins. In it I 
sink and hide all the sins I have committed. 

I thank thee, O Lord Jesus Christ! for 
the painful wound of thy right foot, from 
which the fountain of peace flowed to us. 
In it I sink and bury all my desires, that 
they may be purified and remain unspotted 
by any earthly stain. 

I thank thee, O Lord Jesus Christ! for 
the painful wound of thy left hand, from 
which the well of grace flowed to us. In it 
I enclose all my spiritual and bodily ills, 
that, in union with thy suffering, they may 
become sweet to me, and by patience may 
become of good odor before Grod. 

I thank thee, O Lord Jesus Christ! for 
the painful wound of thy right hand, from 
which the medicine of the soul was poured 
forth. In it I hide all the negligences and 
omissions of which I have been guilty in 
my virtuous exercises, that they may be 
atoned for by thy zealous works. 

I thank thee, O Lord Jesus Christ! for 
the healing wound of thy sweetest heart, 
from which living water and blood, and the 



THE CEOSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 121 

riches of all good flowed to us, I place 
myself into this wound, and therein unite 
all my imperfect love to thy divine love, 
that so it may be made perfect. Amen. 

Seven ©ffertnge of tbe precious 
Bloot) of CbrtsL 
first ©ffertng. 

Eternal Father! I offer thee the merits of 
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy 
well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my Grod, 
for my dear mother, the holy Catholic 
Church, that her boundaries may be 
extended, and that she may be exalted 
among the nations of the earth; for the 
safety and w r ell-being of her visible head, 
the Pope, our spiritual father; for the 
Cardinals, Bishops and Pastors of souls, 
and for all the ministers of thy sanctuary. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 

Second ©ffertng- 

Eternal Father! I offer thee the merits of 
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy 
well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, 
for the peace and quietness of all Catholic 
kings and princes, for the humiliation of 



122 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LEXT. 



the enemies of the holy Catholic faith, and 
for the welfare of all Christian people. 

dory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 

Eternal Father! I offer thee the merits of 
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy well- 
beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for 
the conversion of unbelievers, the extirpa- 
tion of heresy, and the repentance of all 
sinners, that they may return to thee. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 

jfourtb Offering. 

Eternal Father! I offer thee the merits 
of the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy 
well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, 
for all my relations, friends and enemies: 
for all the sick and sorrowful, and for all 
those for whom thou knowest that I ought 
to pray, as well as for those for whom thou. 
0 God! wouldst have me pray. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 123 

jfiftb ©ffering. 

Eternal Father! I offer thee the merits of 
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy well- 
beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for 
all those, who are this day departing from 
this world, that thou wouldst free them 
from everlasting punishment, and speedily 
admit them to the mansions of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 

Stxtb ©ffering* 

Eternal Father ! I offer thee the merits of 
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy well- 
beloved Son, my God and my Saviour, for 
all those w T ho love and value this priceless 
treasure, and unite with me in this adoration 
and worship ; also for those who endeavor 
to extend this devotion. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 

Seventh ©ffering* 

Eternal Father ! I offer thee the merits of 
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, thy well- 
beloved Son, my God and my Saviour , for 
all my spiritual and temporal wants, and 
for the poor souls in purgatory, particularly 



124 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



for those who were devout to the precious 
blood of our Saviour, and to the sorrows of 
most holy Mary, our dear Mother. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

Blessing and thanksgiving be to Jesus 
who, with his blood, hath redeemed us. 

Grlory be to the blood of Jesus, now and 
forever, and throughout all ages. Amen, 

Sing my tongue the Saviour's glory; 

Tell his triumph far and wide ; 

Tell aloud the famous story 

Of his body crucified ; 

How upon the cross a victim, 

Languishing in death, he died. 

Eating of the tree forbidden, 
Man had sunk in Satan's snare, 
When our pitying Creator 
Did this second tree prepare ; 
Destined many ages later 
That first evil to repair. 

Such the order Grod appointed 
When for sin he would atone ; 
To the serpent thus opposing 
Schemes yet deeper than his own ; 
Thence the remedy procuring, 
Whence the fatal wound had come. 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 

And when at length the fulness 
Of the sacred time drew nigh, 
Then the Son, the world's Creator, 
Left his Father's throne on high; 
From a Virgin's womb appearing, 
Clothed in our mortality. 

All within a lowly manger, 
Lo ! a tender babe he lies ; 
See his gentle Virgin-Mother, 
Lull to sleep his infant cries ! 
While the limbs of Grod incarnate 
Round with swathing bands she ties. 

Thus did Christ to perfect manhood 
In our mortal flesh attain ; 
Then of his free choice he goeth 
To a death of bitter pain ; 
And as a lamb upon the altar 
Of the cross for us is slain. 

Lo ! with gall his thirst he quenches. 
See the thorn upon his brow ! 
Nails his tender flesh are rending ; 
See his side is opened now! 
Whence to cleanse the whole creation 
Streams of blood and water flow. 



126 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

Lofty tree ! bend down thy branches 
To embrace thy sacred load: 
0 release the native tension 
Of that all too rigid wood ; 
Grently, gently, bear the members 
Of the dying King and God. 

Tree which solely was found worthy 
The world's great victim to sustain; 
Harbor from the raging tempest ; 
Ark that saved the world again ; 
Tree with sacred blood anointed 
Of the Lamb for sinners slain. 

Blessing, honor everlasting, 

To the immortal Deity; 

To the Father, Son, and Spirit 

Equal praises ever be ; 

Grlory through the earth and* heaven 

To Trinity in Unity. 

Xitan^ of tbe Sacreb Mounts of 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 127 

Glod the Father of heaven, *) 

Grod the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God, the Holy Grhost, 

Holy Trinity, one Glod, 

Jesus, who wast laid upon the cross, the 

altar of thy bloody sacrifice, 
Jesus, whose sacred limbs were cruelly 

distorted upon the cross, 
Jesus, whose sacred hands and feet were 

pierced with painful nails, and fastened 
" to the cross with heavy strokes of the 

hammer, 

Jesus, who didst suffer the distortion of 
thy bones, the rending of thy sinews, and 
the opening of thy veins with wonderful 
patience, 

Jesus, who from thy wounds didst pour 
forth so much blood for the salvation of 
the world, 

Jesus, from whose wounds flowed forth 
four streams of blood, like the four rivers 
of the earthly paradise, to water and 
purify the whole earth, 

Jesus, whose tormenting pains of the wounds 
in thy hands and feet were increased 
above all measure, by the erection of the 
cross, 

Jesus, who for three hours didst hang on 



*) Have mercy on us. 



128 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

the cross in these wounds, under excruci- 
ating pains,*) 
Jesus, who in the pains of thy wounds didst 

die upon the cross, 
Jesus, whose sacred side was opened with 

the lance by a soldier, 
Jesus, from whose wounded heart gushed 

forth a stream of water and blood, 
Jesus, whose sacred wounds were kissed 

and venerated with loving devotion by 

thy sorrowing Mother, 
Jesus, who in the resurrection didst preserve 

and adorn thy wounds with glory and 

splendor, 

Jesus, who after the resurrection didst show 

thy glorified wounds to thy disciples for 

their consolation and joy, 
Jesus, who didst permit the incredulous 

Thomas to lay his hands and fingers into 

thy sacred wounds, 
Jesus, who didst carry thy wounds into 

heaven to the throne of thy Father, 
Jesus, who didst preserve thy sacred wounds 

in the most blessed Sacrament for our 

consolation, 
Jesus, from whose sacred wounds flows 

upon us the abundance of grace and 

heavenly sweetness, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 129 

Jesus, in whose wounds we find sweetest 

refreshment and secure rest,*) 
Jesus, whose sacred wounds strengthen us 

against all temptations, 
Jesus, through whose wounds we shall enter 

into heavenly bliss, 
Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 

LET US PRAY. 

0 most loving Saviour! who in the great 
Mystery of the Altar, dost present thy 
sacred wounds to thy heavenly Father, to 
obtain grace, mercy and reconciliation for 
us, I beseech thee most earnestly, let the 
torments thou didst suffer when the cruel nails 
pierced thy hands and feet, and fastened 
them to the cross, be conducive to my 
eternal salvation, that I may praise thy 
goodness and mercy, in thy heavenly king- 
dom for all eternity. Amen. 



*) Have mercy on us. 



130 



THE HOLY SEASON OE LENT. 



Conclusion. 

0 Jesus, my Gk>d and Savour! during 
this hour of adoration. I have called to 
mind thy unspeakable love to man. of 
which thy holy cross and thy sacred wounds 
are the glorious pledges. 

1 now close this devotion with the fervent 
petition, that thou wouldst pour the treas- 
ures of thy holy wounds upon myself, my 
friends, and upon ail those for whom I am 
bound to pray. 

0 Jesus! through the splendor of thy 
wounds, enlighten my faith: through the 
precious balsam of thy wounds, strengthen 
my hope; and through the dames of thy 
heart, enkindle my love. 

Let thy sacred wounds, and thy holy 
cross be our consolation in our miseries: 
protection in danger, and refreshment in 
affliction. That through the infinite merits 
and the abundant graces of thy holy vrounds 
and thy cross we may obtain fife everlasting. 

My concluding prayer be to thee, 0 Jesus, 
our God in the tabernacle : 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving he every 
moment thine. 



THE CROSS AND WOUNDS OF CHRIST. 131 

Close veiled in that sweet Sacrament, 
Our Jesus' heart, our treasure lies, 
Love's priceless, dearest testament 
Is shrouded in that mystic guise. „ 
Our Jesus left his realms of light, 
On wings of love to earth he's flown, 
To dwell with us 'tis his delight, 
He makes our hearts his dearest throne. 
O wounded heart! how sweet 'twould be, 
If we would die for love of thee ! 

Love is not loved ! 0 Angels weep ; 
Ye virgins chaste! breathe bitter sighs, 
0 earth be clothed in mourning deep, 
Withdraw your light ye radiant skies. 
For all our soul's dear Spouse hath died, 
For all his heart with love doth burn, 
Yet this meek Saviour men deride, 
And for his love make no return. 
0 wounded heart! how sweet 'twould be, 
If we would die for love of thee ! 

That heart for us could do no more, 
In anguish deep it sighed and bled; 
A cruel spear pierced through its core, 
For us his last life's blood was shed; 
That spear, O Jesus! pierced thy heart, 
That we within its depths might flee, 



132 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

0 wound our own with love's sweet dart. 
Let us expire for love of thee! 
O wounded heart! how sweet 'twould be. 
If we would die for love of thee ! 

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer : 

1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

fy. Thanks be to God. 

X . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 

^. Amen. 



Eucbaristtc Ma\> of the 
Cross. 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

f. O G-od! incline unto my aid. 
1^. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
G-lory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcoration. 

Come, let us with profound reverence 
adore Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Who, as a memorial of his passion, is 
ever present in the most holy Sacrament. 

Come, let us render eternal thanksgiving 
to our loving Saviour who has shed his 
precious blood, and traveled for us the way 
to Calvary, laden with the cross. 

Come, let us devoutly adore, in the most 
holy Sacrament, the body which he has 
given for us and the blood which he has 
shed for us. 

Let us with all the Angels and Saints 
follow in spirit his bloody footsteps; and 
(133) 



134 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

mindful that he who has suffered for us is 
our Lord and G-od, with great humility join 
them in their unceasing : 

Holy, holy , holy Lord GTod of Hosts ! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory, 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatiom 

0 my Grod ! behold me here at thy feet 
preparing to begin the holy way of the cross. 

1 recall to mind, O good Jesus! that thou 
didst walk this way for our sins, and that 
they have been the cause of thy bitter 
sufferings and death. 

Accept then, O Lord! this my devotion 
in satisfaction for all my offences, as well 
as for those of the whole world. 

Regard not, O heavenly Father! our 
ingratitude and our sins, but look upon this 
thy Son, our Saviour, who hath rendered 
thee full satisfaction for them. 

For his sake, forgive us, and receive us 
again as thy children who have been washed 
in the precious blood of thy Son, which he 
shed for us on the way to Calvary. 

O Jesus ! I will now accompany thee on 
thy bloody journey, with love and gratitude 
for thy infinite goodness. 



EUCHAEJSTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 135 

Assist me, 0 Lord! in my devotion, and 
let me gain thereby, for myself and the poor 
souls, all the indulgences attached thereunto. 

Forth comes the standard of the King ; 
All hail, thou mystery adored! 
Hail Cross! on which the Life himself 
Died, and by death our life restored. 

On which our Saviour's holy side, 
Rent open with a cruel spear, 
Of blood and water pour'd a stream 
To wash us from defilement clear. 

0 sacred wood ! in thee fulfilled 
Was holy David's truthful lay; 
Which told the world that from a tree 
The Lord should all the nations sway. 

Most royally empurpled o'er, 
How beauteously thy stem doth shine ! 
How glorious was its lot to touch 
Those limbs so holy and divine ! 

Thrice blest, upon whose arms outstretched 
The Saviour of the world reclined ; 
Balance sublime! upon whose beam 
Was weighed the ransom of mankind. 



136 THE HOLY SEASON OP LENT. 

Hail Cross! thou only hope of men, 
Hail, on this holy passion-day! 
To saints increase the grace they have ; 
From sinners purge their guilt away. 

Salvation's spring, blest Trinity! 
Be praise to thee through earth and skies : 
Thou through the cross the victory 
Doth give ; oh, also give the prize ! 

Jfirst Station* 

Jesus is Gonbemnefc to tbe 2>eatb of tbe 
Cross* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

I^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

Jesus, the righteous Judge of the living 
and the dead, was condemned without cause 
and without a fair trial, by the high-priests 
and people as well as by Pontius Pilate to a 
most cruel and ignominious death. Had 
they known that this same Jesus would, at 
the end of time, come again upon the 
clouds with great power and majesty, to 
judge the world, they would have fallen on 
their knees to adore him with fear and 
trembling, and to pray for a merciful judg- 
ment. Jesus, however, remained silent and 



EUCHAEISTIC WAY OF THE CEOSS. 137 

submitted to the unjust sentence, in order 
that I might not be confounded before his 
judgment seat, on account of my sins, and 
condemned to eternal torments. 

0 divine Saviour! More profoundly than 
in the presence of Pontius Pilate, dost thou 
conceal thy majesty in the most holy 
Sacrament. Here thou art present in the 
same splendor of that glory which will one 
day cause the sun to fade away and the 
earth to tremble. Most humbly I adore 
thee. To save me from eternal damnation, 
thou hast done thy utmost in this Sacrament 
of Love. Thy own body and blood thou 
givest me now and in the hour of my death, 
as a pledge of eternal life. For this I thank 
thee. May all praise and glory and gratitude 
be given to thee, now and forever, O just 
and mighty Judge in the blessed Eucharist ! 

> r . 0 Sacrament most holy ! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

Tfy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us ! 



138 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

Seconfc Station. 

$esus Carries fus Cross, 

J. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

Iy. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

Jesus foresaw the dreadful sufferings and 
shameful outrages, to which he would be 
subjected on the cross; nevertheless he 
eagerly stretched out his hands towards the 
cross, embraced it and kissed it, because it 
was the means, according to his Father's 
will, whereby sinners should be saved. 
Stronger than death is the love of his 
sacred heart. 

0 divine Saviour! before thou didst 
accept this cross made for thee by human 
malice, thy own excessive love prepared for 
thee another cross. Thou didst foresee that 
an awful flood of insults would overwhelm 
thee in the Sacrament of thy Love, and thy 
dwelling in the holy tabernacle would give 
occasion to a constant renewal of the 
sorrowful scene of G-ood Friday; never- 
theless thou didst institute this most holy 
Sacrament with a great desire, and it was thy 
wish to bear this heavy cross, for the love of 
the faithful, to the end of time. Most pro- 
foundly I adore thy divine love and fortitude. 



EUCHARISTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 139 

Grant me, I beseech thee, the grace to know 
and to love thee more and more in the 
blessed Eucharist. 

Y . 0 Sacrament most holy ! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

Iy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus , have mercy on 
us! 

1^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us ! 

ftbirfc Station. 

Jesus jfalis tbe first Zimc beneatb tbe 
Cross. 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee! 

ty. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

O Jesus! Almighty Grod! The heavens 
narrate thy glory J thou reignest above the 
Cherubim; the world is in thy hand like a 
dewdrop! But now thou dost conceal thy 
power and fallest to the ground under the 
weight of the cross ? while sinners dare to 
place their feet upon thy neck. In this 
manner dost thou desire to make atonement 
for my pride and disobedience. 



140 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

0 divine Saviour! In the sacred Host 
thou reignest with infinite power. From 
thy throne in the blessed Sacrament thou 
dost support and govern the world, as well 
as guide the destiny of man. But thou 
dost hide thy majesty and power under an 
appearance of weakness and inactivity, 
abandoning thyself to the will of thy 
servants, and submitting even to the satan- 
ical fury of impious men, in order that I 
might be able to approach thee without 
fear, to learn the lesson of true humility 
and to arrive at eternal glory. Jesus, meek 
and humble of heart, have mercy on us! 

y. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

fy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

1^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother,pray for us! 

Ifourtb Station. 

Jesus ZlDeets His Sorrowful /iDotber, 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 



EUCHAKISTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 141 

0 Mary, queen of creation! most beautiful 
of the works of Grod! Like thy divine Son, 
thou didst most carefully conceal thy dignity, 
but thou wast most anxious to share publicly 
his deep humiliation and bitter sufferings. 
Whose sorrow can be compared with thine? 
Not content to suffer with Jesus in spirit, it 
was thy wish to follow him in person along 
the entire way of the cross. 

O Sorrowful Mother! thou knowest and 
lovest thy Son Jesus here in the blessed 
Eucharist, as on the way of the cross, and 
thy eyes always rest upon his holy taber- 
nacle. It is thy most ardent desire that he 
be known and loved by all in the most holy 
Sacrament, and thou dost cherish with 
special affection those who frequently visit 
and devoutly adore him here in his desti- 
tution and obscurity. Obtain for me, I 
beseech thee, the favor that I may love to 
dwell here before the tabernacle, and to 
spread most earnestly the devotion to the 
blessed Sacrament. 

y. 0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

Iy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 



142 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



1^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us! 

Jftftb Station. 

Simon of Gyrene IHelps $esus to Carr^ 
Mis Cross* 

y. We adore thee, O Christ! and bless 
thee. 

1^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

Jesus, the divine cross-bearer, is exhausted 
and finds his burden almost unbearable. 
He staggers and stumbles under the weight 
of the cross. His agonized countenance is 
covered with blood, filth and perspiration. 
Fearing, lest he might die upon the way 
and thus escape the cruel crucifixion, his 
persecutors compel a pagan to assist him in 
bearing the cross. He, whom a host of 
Angels was willing to render service, w T as so 
despised that not a man was ready to come 
to his assistance. 

Let us reflect how painful and burdensome 
must be the cross of contempt, neglect and 
forgetfulness, which Jesus has borne so 
many centuries in the Sacrament of his 
Love! True, the blessed spirits hover around 
him continually in holy adoration, but since 



EUCHABISTIO WAY OF THE CROSS. 143 

he offers himself here as man for man, it is 
his most longing desire that men should 
testify their love by visiting him frequently 
and thus making his heavy cross more 
bearable. O my Grod ! I am heartily sorry 
for all coldness and neglect in thy holy 
service. 

y. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

1^. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

fy. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us ! 

Stitb Station* 

Deronica Wipes tbe face of $esus, 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

The holy face of our Lord, the eternal 
beauty of which ravishes the Angels, is 
covered with spittle and perspiration ; that 
splendid mirror of his divine Majesty is 
horribly disfigured with filth and blood. 



144 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

Not to Angels, however, but to Veronica is 
granted the blessed privilege of wiping this 
holy face. The defilement caused by man's 
depravity shall be atoned for by human 
compassion. 

Thy holy face, O divine Saviour! in the 
sacred Host is the center and most perfect 
expression of all created and eternal beauty ; 
and s<T, even now, when the sacred species 
are sometimes insultingly trampled under 
the feet of the impious, or outraged by the 
sacrilegious communion of the unworthy, — 
while the blessed spirits offer thee their 
adoration, — it is thy earnest wish that 
reparation and atonement to thy sacred 
heart be made by men. Thou hast com- 
plained to another Veronica, the Blessed 
Margaret Mary Alacoque, of the horrible 
insults that are heaped upon thee in the 
most holy Sacrament; thou desirest that 
atonement and reparation be rendered 
thy most sacred heart; thou hast even 
condescended to designate the manner of 
this atonement. Most willingly, my dear 
Lord! will I render thee this service, so 
that I may be found worthy to behold thee, 
face to face, for all eternity. 

y. 0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 



EUCHARISTIC WAY OF THE CKOSS. 145 

fy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

1$. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother,pray for us! 

Seventb Station. 

Jesus jfalls tbe Second Unite* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

fy. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

0 Jesus! for whom the nations have 
longed and sighed ; to whom the prophets 
have cried out: u O that thou w T ouldst rend 
the heavens and wouldst come down;" and 
for whom the angels sang: "Lift up your 
gates, O ye princes! and the king of glory 
shall enter in." All the princes and people 
should have led thee with shouts of joy, 
with pomp and splendor to the Mount of 
Sion ; but now thou art ignominiously cast 
out of the city, led by a procession of 
mockery and dirision, and fallest under the 
weight of the cross beneath the gates. 

O Lord! in the sacred Mystery of the 
Altar we truly possess thee, the Desired of 



146 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

all nations. Thou hast the right to demand 
here the most respectful homage of all 
princes and people; but, instead, thou hast 
been cast out of thousands of temples by 
heretics, and, even now, the churches 
wherein thou dost dwell are lonely and 
deserted throughout the day, because thou 
art banished from the hearts and minds of 
so many Christians ; yea, thy sworn enemies 
commit the outrage of dragging thee from 
thy poor, solitary tabernacle, of trampling 
upon thee and throwing thee in the mire. 
I am most heartily sorry for all coldness 
and indifference towards thee in the blessed 
Eucharist. 

y. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

R. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

JT. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

I^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us! 

jetQbtb Station. 

Sesus Comforts tbe Women of Jerusalem* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 



EUCHARISTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 147 

1^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

0 merciful J esus ! since thou didst even 
admonish these devoted and compassionate 
women to do penance, how much more 
reason have we to excite ourselves to con- 
tinual sorrow and repentance on account of 
the multitude and gravity of our sins ! 

0 my God, hidden in the Sacrament of 
Love ! I am heartily sorry for all sins which 
have ever been committed by myself and 
others, against this holy Mystery; — for 
all blasphemies and irreverences; for the 
neglect of attending Mass on Sundays and 
Holydays of obligation; for all want of 
respect and the thoughtlessness of men 
while passing before thy holy temples ; for 
every careless bending of the knee before 
thy tabernacle; for all unworthy com- 
munions and sacrilegious outrages , offered 
to thy sacred Host. Merciful Jesus ! have 
mercy on us poor sinners. 

JT. 0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

JT. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on us! 

1^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us! 



148 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

IRtntb Station. 

Sesus jfalls tbe Utnrb Uime* 

JT . We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

O Jesus, almighty and eternal Grod! 
under thy feet the earth shall tremble, the 
mountains shall bend and the hills be 
scattered, but now on the way of sorrows 
thou fallest to the ground the third time. 
Thou art completely exhausted and yet 
they beat thee most unmercifully. So 
much suffering did Christ endure, that we 
poor sinners might rise again from our 
fallen state. 

O dear Jesus! towards the end of time 
when wickedness shall reign supreme and 
the Anti-Christ shall make his appearance 
in the world, the most abominable crimes will 
be committed against thy divine Majesty, 
but even then tl»u wilt remain in the blessed 
Sacrament to comfort the faithful. Since 
we are unable to ward off these insults, we 
pray for the grace that we may now love 
thee with all our power. 

JT. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 



EUCHAKISTXC WAY OF THE CROSS. 149 

fy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

1^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us! 

^erttb Station, 

Jesus is Stripped of Mis Garments* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

ty. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory! 
thou art clothed with light and beauty, as 
with a garment. Thou dost impart to the 
sun his brilliant rays ; thou dost clothe with 
beauty the flowers of the field and the birds 
of the air. Thou hast deserved to be 
adorned with the most precious jewels of 
the world, but now thou art most shame- 
fully stripped of thy garments and exposed 
in thy scarlet dress of blood, like Joseph's 
coat, steeped in the blood of the ram. 

O Jesus! in the sacred Host thou dost 
appear robbed of all external beauty and 
thou art satisfied with those adornments, 
with which the love of the faithful supplies 

6 



150 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

thee. Thou hast deserved that all the gold 
and precious stones and splendid jewels of 
the earth, with all the most beautiful pro- 
ductions of the fine arts be used for adorning 
thy tabernacles and decorating thy churches ; 
instead , however , the world builds palaces 
for itself, while thy sacred ministers go 
begging laboriously to erect in thy honor 
the plainest habitation; yea! the world 
has even despoiled thee in a most sacri- 
legious manner of thy vestments and the 
treasures of thy churches. For this reason 
we are resolved, O King of Grlory! always 
to love the beauty of thy house, and to 
defend the rights of the Church, that we 
may be admitted to the kingdom of ever- 
lasting glory. 

y. 0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

It. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

1$. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us! 



EUCHABISTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 151 

i£Ie\>entb Station. 

Jesus is IRatleb to tbe Cross* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

1^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

J esus the eternal High-priest now ascends 
the altar of the cross. With outstretched 
arms and elevated hands , in the attitude of 
the true priest praying for the people, he is 
nailed to the cross. For all the sins com- 
mitted in the body and in the soul, he 
makes a sacrificial offering of the most in- 
tense bodily sufferings and mental anguish. 

O divine Saviour! Thou eternal priest 
according to the order of Melchisedech ! 
This same sacrifice of the cross is daily 
renewed by thee in the holy Mass on 
thousands of altars throughout the world. 
Here, in this sacred mystery, thou art 
crucified again, and thou dost obtain for 
us, by thy merits, more graces, in a single 
instant, than all creatures by their com- 
bined effort can accomplish; here thou 
dost exhibit the same infinite love for thy 
heavenly Father, and the same charity 
towards all mankind ; here thou dost prac- 
tice the same wonderful humility and heroic 
obedience, until the end of time; here the 



152 THE HOLY SEASON OP LENT. 

land-mark, the limit of thy eternal and 
almighty love has been reached. Would 
that our hearts were filled with the beautiful 
virtues of thy sacred heart ! 

O Mary ! thou didst most perfectly com- 
passionate Jesus, during the painful cruci- 
fixion ; obtain for us the grace, that we may 
understand the infinite value of the holy 
sacrifice of the Mass and never fail to assist 
at it with proper attention and devotion. 

^. O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament 
divine ! 

3^. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

I^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us ! 

£welftb Station* 

Ube Beatb of Sesus* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

3^. Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 

Jesus dies on the cross. The wicked 
world has, by the death of the Saviour of 
mankind and the Creator of the universe, 



EUCHABISTIC WAY OF THE OEOSS. 153 

consummated the mystery of the most 
malicious depravity; on the other hand, 
Jesus has consummated the mystery of the 
greatest love by the redemption of the 
world. He certainly deserved that all the 
redeemed should bitterly bewail their sins, 
and hastening in crowds to the foot of the 
cross, adore him with compunction of heart 
and deepest gratitude. He has truly merited 
that all should be ready to die, or at 
least to live in the future for love of him 
alone. And yet, besides the sorrowful 
Mother, only a few faithful souls attended 
the sacrifice of the cross. 

O divine Redeemer ! Eternal High-priest ! 
In the holy sacrifice of the Mass thou dost 
renew the same offering and accomplish the 
most astounding miracles. Is it not meet 
and proper that all nations should daily 
assemble at this sacrifice of infinite merit, 
to adore thee, to bless thee, and to cry out 
to thee with reverence : holy (xod ! almighty 
Grod! eternal God! have mercy on us! 
And yet the holy sacrifice of the Mass is 
sadly and strangely forgotten and neglected 
by the faithful, and only a few devout souls 
attend on ordinary week-days. O Jesus! 
infinitely great, yet poorly honored ; loving 
eternallv, vet loved so little, have mercy on 
us! 



154 THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 

0 Mary! obtain for us the grace, that we 
may thoroughly appreciate the holy sacrifice 
of the Mass. 

y. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

1^. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

f. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

II . And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us ! 

£birteentb Station. 

Jesus is Uafcen Down from tbe Gross anD 
placet) in tbe arms of SHis /IDotber* 

f. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

Iy . Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the "world. 

O Mary, Mother of Sorrows ! How much 
hast thou loved! How much hast thou 
suffered! Mary's heart was wounded by the 
lance, that pierced the side of Jesus, and 
when she received in her arms the lacerated 
body of her divine Son, her sufferings were 
intense and indescribably great. If at the 
death of Jesus even the distant planets, the 



EUCHARISTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 155 

rugged, rocks and all nature mourned, and 
the dead of all centuries came out of their 
graves, who can describe the sorrow of 
Mary, his blessed Mother? In these, thy 
bitter sufferings, dear Mother! we were 
born again to life eternal. Thy name shall 
be indelibly imprinted upon my heart, and 
I shall remember thy great love as long as 
I live. 

O Mary, Mother of Sorrows ! Obtain for 
us the grace, always to receive the sacred 
body of our Lord, in holy communion, with 
the most worthy preparation and in the 
proper disposition. 

y. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

1^. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

fy. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us! 

Ifourteentb Station* 
Hsns is Xatb in tbe Sepulcbre* 

y. We adore thee, 0 Christ! and bless 
thee. 

Because by thy holy cross thou hast 
redeemed the world. 



156 



THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT. 



Jesus, the God-Man, the Lord and Maker 
of life is laid as a rigid and motionless 
corpse in the grave, but yet worthy of the 
most profound adoration, while his soul is 
still active in works of external charity, 
descending into Limbo, to comfort and 
rescue the souls of the just. 

O divine Redeemer! In the most august 
Sacrament of the Altar thou hast retained 
the quiet, motionless condition of the sacred 
body in the sepulchre. Amidst these quiet 
and solitary surroundings, however, thou 
dost continue to present to thy heavenly 
Father, in our name, the most subhme and 
effective offerings of respect, gratitude, 
atonement, and prayer, and here thou wilt 
watch over us and defend us to the end of 
time. Therefore, should thy holy temple 
be our dearest dwelling-place day and night . 
Full of faith and confidence, we will come 
to thee with all our sorrows, trials, and 
difficulties, and ask thee for thy blessing 
upon all our labors. Here lies the secret of 
our success, If thou art with us, O Lord! 
who can prevail against us ! Without thee, 
we can do nothing; with thee, we can 
accomplish everything. On thy altar lies 
concealed the horn of plenty and of power. 

O Mary, thou blessed Mother of Christ! 
comforter of the poor souls in purgatory! 



EUCHABISTIC WAY OF THE CBOSS. 157 

obtain for us the grace, henceforth to live, 
to labor, to suffer and to die for Jesus in 
the most holy Sacrament of the Altar. He 
is our God and our All ; he is our eternal 
reward. 

y. O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

Iy. All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 

y. Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on 
us! 

3^. And help the suffering souls in pur- 
gatory. 

Sorrowful Mother, pray for us ! 

Conclusion, 

Divine Saviour! graciously accept this 
holy devotion whereby I have venerated 
thy sacred passion. 

Grant me pardon for my sins, the cause 
of thy bitter sufferings and ignominious 
death. 

Impart to me the infinite graces thou 
hast merited for me on the cross. 

Keep me in thy love which thy holy 
death has obtained for me. 

I ask thee to grant the same grace to all 
for whom I have prayed during this hour. 

May thy holy passion and death lead us 



158 THE HOLY SEASON OF LEXT. 

all to life everlasting, and may the blessed 
Sacrament, the memorial of thy bitter 
passion, be adored forever and ever. 

May it always preserve in our souls the 
fruits of our redemption. 

Hvmn, 

All ye who seek a sure relief 
In trouble or distress, 
"Whatever sorrow vex the mind, 
Or guilt the soul oppress : 

Our Lord who gave himself for us 
Upon the cross to die, 
Unfolds to us his sacred heart ; 
Oh, to that heart draw nigh. 

Ye hear how kindly he invites, 
Ye hear his words so blest : 
U AXL ye that labor come to me, 
And i will give you rest." 

0 Jesus! joy of Saints on high. 
Thou hope of sinners here ; 
Attracted by those loving words, 
To thee I lift my prayer. 

Wash thou my wounds in that dear blood, 
Which forth from thee did flow ; 
New grace, new hope inspire anew. 
And better life bestow. 



EUOHARISTIC WAY OF THE CROSS. 159 

Praise him who with the Father sits 
Enthroned upon the skies ; 
Whose blood redeems our souls from guilt , 
Whose spirit sanctifies. 

Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
fy. Thanks be to God. 
f . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
^. Amen. 



Easter TLibe* 



V. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
R. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

Y. 0 God! incline unto my aid. 
Pv. 0 Lord! make haste to help ajtq. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As i: was in .. A ginning, etc. 

Hftoratibh. 

^HE Lord hath truly risen. Alleluia! 

Come, let us adore him with joyful 
hearts. Alleluia! 

Let us adore our Lord in the blessed 
3a lament. 

For it is he who. for our sakes. has 
triumphed over sin and grave. Alleluia ! 

Come, let us adore and praise the Lord 
for his goodness and mercy. 

Let us. with his glorious Mother and all 
the Saints, joyfully sing to our risen Re- 
deemer: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Allelulia ! Thanksgiving 
be to thee. 0 Lord! who hast buried our 
sins, and opened heaven for us. 

(160) 



THE BESUREECTION OF CHBIST. 161 

Glory be to the Father , etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation* 

Hail, thou festive, ever memorable day, 
whereon hell is conquered and heaven is 
won by Christ. 

The woods with their leaves, the meadows 
with their flowers, light, firmament, earth, 
and sea give justly praise to the God that 
defeats the laws of death, and rises above 
the grave. 

But what do I see? Whilst all nature and 
entire heaven is rejoicing and singing never- 
ending Alleluias, millions of men take no 
part in the universal joy. 

They have no gratitude for the God, who 
has freed them from the bonds of sin ; no 
praise for the conqueror of death. 

They do not believe in his resurrection ; 
they deny his divinity ; ridicule his human- 
ity, and have insults only for the continued 
presence of the God-Man in the blessed 
Sacrament. 

O Saviour of mankind! have mercy 
on these unfortunate creatures of thine. 
Remember that thou didst suffer and die 
for them; therefore, raise them to life on 
this day of thy triumph. 



162 



EASTER TIDE. 



Enlighten their blindness ; let the glorious 
Easter-sun penetrate and warm their cold 
hearts, and lead them back to thy true fold. 

Thou. O my dear Jesus! hast shed thy 
precious blood for us poor sinners ; there- 
fore, forgive us our sins, and let us share 
in the glory, joy, and happiness of thy 
resurrection. 

1b\>mn. 

Bring, all ye dear-bought nations, bring 
Your richest praises to your King. 

That spotless Lamb, "who more than due 
Paid for his sheep, and those sheep you; 

That guiltless Son. who wrought your peace. 
And made his Father's anger cease. 

Life and death together fought. 

Each to a strange extreme were brought. 

Life died, but soon revived again. 
And even death by it was slain. 

Say, happy Magdalen! oh say. 

What didst thou see there by the way? 

I saw the tomb of my dear Lord ; 
I saw hiinself , and him adored. 

I saw the napkin and the sheet. 

That bound his head and wrapt his feet. 



THE INSURRECTION OF CHRIST. 163 

I heard the Angels witness bear, 
i 6 Jesus is risen ; he is not here : 

Go, tell his followers, they shall see 
Thine and their hope in Galilee." 

We, Lord! with faithful heart and cheerful 
voice, 

On this thy glorious rising day rejoice. 

0 thou, whose conquering power overcame 
the grave, 

By thy victorious grace us sinners save. 

Gbe flD$ster$ of Easter. 

O Jesus, Saviour of the world! Loving 
Creator and Redeemer! Only begotten Son 
of God the Father! 

Seeing the human race sunk in misery, 
thou didst become man, that thou mightest 
rescue man. 

Nor wouldst thou be content to be born ; 
but being born in the flesh, in the same 
wouldst thou suffer death. 

Thou, the author of life and of all creation, 
wast buried in the tomb, treading the path 
of death, to give us salvation. 

The gloomy bonds of hell were broken ; 
the abyss shook with fear, as the light 
shone upon its brink. 



164 



EASTER TIDE. 



The brightness of Christ put darkness to 
flight, and made to fall the thick veils of 
everlasting night. 

But, redeem thy promise, I beseech thee, 
merciful King ! this is the third day : arise, 
my buried Jesus ! 

It is not meet, that thy body lie in the 
lowly tomb, or that a sepulchral stone should 
keep imprisoned the ransom of the world. 

Throw off thy shrowds, I pray thee. 
Leave thy winding-sheet. Thou art our 
all, and all else, without thee, is nothing. 

Show us once more thy face, that all ages 
may see the light. Bring back the day 
which fled when thou didst die. 

But thou hast done all this. 0 loving 
Conqueror, by returning to our world. 
Death lies defeated, and its rights are gone. 

The greedy monster, whose huge throat 
had swallowed all mankind, is now thy 
prey, O God! 

Hell, now trembling, vomits forth the 
victims it had made, and the Lamb tears 
the sheep from the jaws of the wolf 

Hail, then, thou day of days! Happy 
day of Jesus' victory ! Day worthy of cease- 
less joy! 

To-day the immortal and heavenly bride- 
groom rose from the dead. 

This is the day privileged from the very 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 165 

. 

beginning of the world : the day enriched 
with the resurrection of Christ. 

Let us, then, all rejoice and sing a glorious 
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. 

Zcll us, fIDar$ ! 

Tell us, 0 Mary! what sawest thou, when 
standing under the cross of Christ? 

I saw my Jesus stripped, and raised on 
the cross by the hands of sinners. 

Tell us, O Mary! what sawest thou, when 
looking at the cross of Christ? 

His head crowned with thorns, his face 
disfigured with spittle and blows, his hands 
pierced, and his side wounded by a spear. 

Tell us, Mary! what did thy Jesus, when 
hanging on the cross? 

He commended himself to his Father ; he 
bowed down his head, and gave up his spirit. 

Tell us, Mary! what didst thou after 
losing Jesus? 

I kept close to his weeping Mother, and 
returned with her to the house. I prostrated 
myself on the ground, and compassionated 
both Son and Mother. 

Tell us, Mary! what didst thou after 
losing Jesus? 

I redoubled my tears, prepared my oint- 
ment, and visited the tomb. 



166 



EASTER TIDE. 



Tell us, Mary! what did happen to thee 
at the tomb! 

I weeped and prayed. Then an Angel 
appeared to me and said: Weep not, Mary! 
Christ is not here, he is risen. He shall go 
before you into Gralilee. 

Tell us, Mary! what thou didst see after 
the Angel hath spoken to thee? 

I saw the winding-sheet and clothes of 
the Lord. I saw the glory of him, that 
had risen. I saw himself, my beloved one. 
I heard his voice, and my heart was glad. 
Alleluia, Alleluia! 

O Mary, happy Mary! pray for us to 
Jesus: obtain the forgiveness of our sins 
and draw his mercy upon us. 

©R> anfc IRew pra^era of tbe Cburcb* 

This is the day which the Lord hath made. 

Let us be glad and rejoice therein. 

The Lord hath truly risen. 

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! 

The Angel of the Lord descended from 
heaven, and coming rolled back the stone 
of the sepulchre and sat upon it. 

And he saith to the women: Fear not for 
I know that you seek the Crucified ; he is 
risen, he is not here. Come, and see the 
place where the Lord was laid. 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 167 

And the countenance of the Lord, when 
he rose, was as lightning, and his raiment 
was as snow, so that the guards were terri- 
fied with fear of him, and became as men 
struck dead. 

O God! who on this day, by thy only 
begotten Son's victory over death, didst 
open for us a passage to eternity, grant 
that our prayers, which your preventing grace 
inspires, may, by thy help, become effectual. 

Purge out, O Lord! in us the old leaven, 
that we may be new paste, as we are unleav- 
ened: for Christ our pasch is sacrificed. 

Therefore, let us feast not with the old 
leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and 
wickedness, but with the unleavened bread 
of sincerity and truth. 

Let us sing hymns of praise and joy on 
this most holy feast. Let us bless the Lord ; 
for the Lord is risen. 

Didymus, having heard that Jesus had 
risen, was incredulous. Therefore, the Lord 
said to him: see, Thomas! see my side; see 
my feet; see my hands. Put in thy finger 
hither, and be not faithless but believing. 

As soon as Thomas saw Jesus' side, and 
feet, and hands, he said: O my Lord and 
my God ! Thou art truly my G-od ! 

But Jesus said: blessed are they that 



168 



EASTER TIDE. 



have not seen and have firmly believed. 
They shall have eternal life. 

Let us then sincerely believe that Jesus 
hath risen. 

Indeed Jesus is risen. Alleluia. Alleluia, 
Alleluia! 

Let us give the Lord most humble, devout, 
and due thanks for his resurrection. 

The "whole world was going headlong to 
the abyss: but the power and wisdom of 
God softened the eyes of his mercy, 

The world despaired of a remedy: but 
Grod the Father sent his only Son to them 
that had no hope. 

We were restored to our former dignity by 
Jesus, whose resurrection now gladdens us. 

He. the Restorer of mankind, rose again, 
free from the dead: he carried his sheep, 
on his shoulders, back to heaven. 

Peace is made between angels and men. 
The heavenly ranks are filled up. Praise, 
eternal praise is due to our triumphant Gktd. 

Let the voice of Mother-Church blend in 
harmony with that of heaven : let the faithful 
sing now. without ceasing, their Alleluia. 

A triumph has been won over the power 
of death: let us rejoice in it. 

Peace on earth to ail men: and jubilee 
among all the saints. Alleluia. 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 169 

0 eternal King! graciously receive the 
hymns we devoutly sing to thee. 

Thou sittest at the right hand of the 
Father. 

Universal Conqueror ! thou didst vanquish 
death and enter into the joys of heaven. 

O mercy of Christ! how great, how sub- 
lime, how beautiful, how sweet, how tender 
art thou ! 

Praise, honor, and glory be to thee, that 
didst lighten our heavy weight of old. 

Purchased by the blood of the infinitely 
merciful Lamb, the Church glitters with 
the ruby flowers of her redemption. 

He, who by his mighty power washed 
away our sins, loads us with precious gifts. 

Bewildered in my admiration of this day's 
wonders, I am unworthy to proclaim its 
great mysteries. 

Son of David ! Child of the tribe of Juda ! 
Thou didst rise in glory, a lion in strength. 

Thou was seen on earth as a gentle lamb. 

It was thou, that, in the beginning, didst 
create the world. 

Thou hast ascended to the kingdom above, 
and there thou mercifully rewardest the just 
with the rewards of everlasting joy. 

Say, Satan! thou wicked spirit! what 
now hath thy craft profited thee? 



170 



EASTER TIDE. 



The victory of Christ has bound thee fast 
in fetters of fire. 

0 ye tribes and nations, be astounded! 
Who hath heard of miracles like these? 

That death should so conquer death ? 
That criminals should receive favors like 
unto this! 

Therefore, 0 Jesus! merciful King! for- 
give us our sins, loosen our fetters, and 
grant that thy elect may rise with thee. 

Go tbe IRisen Saviour in tbe Blessefc 
Sacrament. 

O Lord Jesus Christ ! the magnificence of 
thy works shines so brightly, that we are 
compelled to give glory to thy name every- 
where and at all times. 

We believed in thee, when thou didst 
show thyself a weak babe in the crib of 
Bethlehem ; there was a mysterious power 
that attracted us, and with the Angels we 
adored thee, wrapt in thy humble swathing 
bands. 

When we saw thee hanging on the cross, 
outraged and blasphemed by a whole people, 
we still acknowledged thee to be our king, 
and said • to thee with the good thief: 
Remember us, O Lord! when thou shalt 
come into thy kingdom. 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 171 

But now that thou hast triumphed over 
death and art risen gloriously from the 
tomb ; now that the whole earth resounds 
with thy praise , and the tidings of thy 
resurrection fill all nations with gladness, 
as fresh as though thy triumph were but of 
yesterday; who should refuse to confess 
thy divinity, adore thy mysteries, and cry 
out with thy disciple : my Lord and my Grod ! 

Though my eyes see thee not; though 
my hands cannot touch thy sacred wounds, 
yet do I most firmly believe thee to be my 
Lord and my Grod. 

Thou hast said: Happy they that have 
not seen and have believed : of these happy 
believers I would be one, O Jesus! 

I confess that thou hast verily risen, the 
Son of God, and the Son of man. 

I believe also that thou art the living 
bread come down from heaven to give life 
to the world, and that I am really kneeling 
in thy holy presence. 

When thou didst visit thy Apostles on 
the day of thy resurrection, thou saidst to 
them : It is I ; fear not ! 

The same words, thou speakest to my 
soul at this moment ; thou biddest me fear 
not at the sight of thy majesty in the taber- 
nacle, and mine own misery and unworthi- 
ness. 



172 



EASTER TIDE. 



The soul of Magdalen was melting within 
her, when she was at thy tomb and heard 
the sound of thy voice ; and throwing herself 
at thy feet she could say nothing, but call 
thee Master, 

And I, dear Jesus! my Master! I who 
not only hear thy voice for a moment, but 
kneel in thy very presence for hours, nay, 
receive thee into my heart in holy com- 
munion, what do I say to thee? 

The disciples of Emmaus had but a short 
conversation with thee, and they said to 
each other: Was not our heart burning 
within us, whilst he spoke in the way ? 

And thou, my heart, why art thou not 
consumed with love for thy risen Saviour, 
who is so near to thee ? 

0 risen Jesus! thou didst take Magdalen's 
love; thou didst encourage that of thy 
disciples: deign to inspire me with the 
same love. 

1 belonged to thee, 0 Jesus! because I 
was redeemed by thee: I am thine now 
because thou hast restored life to me by thy 
resurrection, and because of thy sacramental 
presence amongst us, and by thy coming to 
me in holy communion, thou hast made 
me a partaker in all the glory of thy victory 
over death. 

O Jesus! let this most holy Sacrament be 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 173 



to me a pledge of my own future resurrection , 
and of my eternal and perfect union with 
thee in heaven. 

1b$mn. 

Woeful Mary! cease from sighing, 
This is not a time for gloom ; 
No more sorrow, no more crying, 
As in Simon's supper-room; 
? Tis a time for voices raising 
Shouts of triumph and of praising ; 
Let the Alleluias ring. 

Mary! smile in thankful gladness, 
Let thy brow be sweet and bright ; 
Ended is the time of sadness, 
Shine a new and radiant light ; 
And the chains of men are broken ; 
Let the Alleluias ring. 

Triumph, Mary! from t'he prison 
Of the grave, in which he lay, 
Comes the victor newly risen, 
Pain and anguish gone for aye ; 
Dying thou didst once bewail him, 
Now in Easter-glory hail him; 
Let the Alleluias ring. 



174 



EASTER TIDE. 



Mary ! take thy fill of gazing, 
See how bright the look he wears ; 
See he liveth — joy amazing — 
See the five dear wounds he bears, 
J ewels meet for adorning 
On this new and glorious morning ; 
Let the Alleluias ring. 

Happy Mary! rapture burning, 
Thrills thy pulses in this hour ; 
Seeing thus thy light returning, 
Knowing death has lost its power ; 
No more grief and sad complaining. 
Love and joy forever reigning; 
Let the Alleluias ring. 

Hntbem to tbe Bies^ Dirgin. 

Rejoice, 0 Queen of heaven! Alleluia. 

For he whom thou deservest to bear, 
Alleluia. 

Hath risen as he said. Alleluia. 

Pray to Grod for us, Alleluia. 

y. Rejoice and be glad, 0 Virgin Mary! 
Alleluia. 

1^. For the Lord hath risen indeed, 
Alleluia. 

LET US PRAY. 

0 Gfod! who by the resurrection of thy 
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hath been 



i 



THE BESURKECTION OF CHRIST. 175 

pleased to fill the world with joy, grant, we 
beseech thee, that by the Virgin Mary, his 
Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal 
life. Through the same Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

doncluaioru 

The celebration of thy resurrection, 0 
Lord! has greatly consoled me. 

Let me be ever mindful of it, and draw 
therefrom strength and comfort in moments 
of trial and suffering. 

At such moments, I will remember my 
own future resurrection, and henceforth 
live a life that will merit for me a glorious 
rising on the day of judgment. 

How much didst thou have to suffer, 0 
my Lord ! before thou couldst enter into 
thy glory? 

Everlasting thanksgiving be to thee, for 
all thou hast done for me ; assist me to do 
a great deal for thee, so as to be made a 
partaker of thy glory and happiness. 

I ask thee also for the same grace for all 
those for whom I have offered the prayers 
of this hour, especially for N. N. 

Graciously receive my humble petitions 
and hear them. 

I close this devotion by uniting myself 



176 



EASTER TIDE. 



with the Angels, who lie prostrate before 

this most holy Sacrament. 

With them, I exclaim from my heart: 
0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 

divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

O Jesus! who for love of me, 
Upon the cross hung, in disgrace ; 
How gladly would I die for thee, 
And haste to thy embrace. 

Thine own pure flesh and precious blood, 
To nourish me, thou hast given, 
That I, e ? en here, 0 highest Grood! 
May taste the joys of heaven. 

Shall I not, then, with joy give thee 
My life, my soul, my love, 
That I may reign eternally, 
In bliss, with thee above / 

Henceforth the object of my life 
To suffer for thy sake shall be, 
And neither pain nor bitter strife, 
Shall from thy love e'er sever me. 



THE RESURRECTION OF CHBIST. 177 

And not less ardent, Virgin pure! 
Shall be my filial love for thee, 
Should I be worthy to secure 
This grace, what happiness for me ! 

Through Jesus' wounds, O Mother dear! 
Thy help I now implore, 
That I may, having conquered here, 
Rejoice with thee forever more. 

Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph, if outside of the Octave. 

Y. 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 
fy. And let my cry come unto thee. 
f . Let us bless the Lord. 
3^. Thanks be to God. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
ty. Amen. 



IRooatton SDa^s- 



prapers of petition* 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 

And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O Grod! incline unto my aid. 
3^. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
GHory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcorattoru 

Come , let us approach the throne of Jesus 
Christ, the omnipotent Grod and the 
Father of all mankind. 

Come, let us adore his majesty, power, 
and goodness in most profound reverence. 

Let us implore his blessing for our true 
welfare, and present to him our humble 
petitions for his help in our wants and needs. 

He has said : ask and you shall receive ; 
knock and it shall be opened unto you. 
Let us, therefore, soften his heart by im- 
ploring his mercy, that he may pour out 
upon us his graces and benedictions. 
(178) 



PRAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 179 

Come, let us fall on our knees before 
him, and render him eternal praise, honor, 
love, and thanksgiving. 

Let us sing to him with all the Angels 
and Saints of heaven: 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Grod of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatiom 

O my J esus ! I acknowledge thy unspeak- 
able kindness, whereby thou hast found a 
means to abide forever with the children 
of men, in the most blessed Sacrament. 

Day and night thou art ready to impart 
the treasures of thy grace to all those who 
come to thee with confidence. 

Thou hast erected thy throne of mercy 
also in our midst, and art ever ready to 
receive all who approach thee. 

Alas ! thy infinite goodness is not known ; 
and the great mystery of thy love is dis- 
honored and abused. 

Countless numbers of men never come to 
thee, and never ask thee for anything; 
others do pray, but their heart is far from 
thee. 

0 Jesus! in the bitterness of my heart, I 
throw myself at thy feet and beg for pardon, 



180 



EASTER TIDE. 



grace, and mercy for myself, for this country , 
and for all mankind. 

Spare the blind world, and do not punish 
us according to our guilt. 

Do thou, O true Light! illuminate the 
darkness of those who do not love thee, and 
whose hearts are far from thee. 

Come to the assistance of thy faithful, 
and help thy Church in all her dangers. 

O divine Saviour! should my heart not 
be filled with consolation, when I consider 
that the Father has given thee all power, 
and that thou wilt refresh all those, who 
come to thee. 

Behold, then, I come to pray for all. 
Lord, hear my prayer! 

Fret not, poor soul! while doubt and fear 

Disturb thy heart ; 
The pitying Angels, who can see 
How vain thy wild regret must be 

Say, "trust and rest." 

Plan not, nor scheme — but calmly wait; 

His choice is best : 
While blind and erring is thy sight, 
His wisdom sees and judges right; 

So trust and rest. 



PRAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 181 

Strive not, nor struggle; thy poor might 

C an never rest ; 
The meanest thing to serve thy will ; 
All power is his alone ; be still 

And trust and rest. 

Desire not ; self-love is strong 

Within thy breast ; 
And yet, he loves thee better still, 
So let him do his loving will 

And trust and rest. 

What dost thou fear? His wisdom reigns 

Supreme confessed: 
His power is infinite ; his love 
Thy deepest, fondest dreams above: 

So trust and rest. 

for tbe Cburcb* 

O holy Church! which Christ Jesus, 
according to his infallible promise, has built 
upon a rock, thou art the blissful paradise 
of the Lord, planted by his own hand, and 
bedewed with his precious blood. 

But thou, O most holy and adorable 
Sacrament of the Altar ! art the tree of life 
in the centre of this paradise ; thy fruit is 
eternal life and supernatural strength for 
the sanctification of the Church. 

7 



182 



EASTER TIDE. 



O Jesus Christ ! I adore thee on the altar 
as myGlod, in whom I believe; my Saviour, 
in whom I hope ; my sovereign G-ood, whom 
I love ; my Lord, to whom I pay the homage 
of my heart; the divine Teacher, whose 
Grospel I profess ; the Light of the world, 
whom I thank for the grace of the true faith. 

O Jesus, thou invisible and supreme head 
of the Church ! preserve this holy faith in 
all her children. 

Look down, in thy mercy, upon thy 
servant N. (here mention the Pope's name) 
whom thou hast appointed to preside over 
thy Church; and grant that both, by word 
and example, he may edify all those who 
are under his charge ; so that, with the flock 
entrusted to him, he arrive at length unto 
life everlasting. 

Send thy Holy Spirit upon the bishops 
and the congregations committed unto them, 
and that they may truly please thee, pour 
forth upon them the continual dew of thy 
blessing. 

Send, O Lord! zealous laborers into thy 
holy vineyard, that they may diligently 
cultivate and plant it. 

Inspire thy priests with thy holy Spirit, 
and infuse into their souls those virtues 
and that ardor of zeal, which may merit for 
them a place with thy Apostles. 



PEAYEES OF PETITION ON EOGATION DAYS. 183 

Defend, O Lord! thy faithful and thy 
entire Church, against all the attacks of the 
wicked enemy. 

Behold! how the elect generation, thy 
kingly priesthood, and thy people whom 
thou hast made thine own, by the price of 
thy most precious blood, suffer much from 
the prince of darkness. 

O Jesus! have mercy on them, preserve 
thy faithful in the profession of thy holy 
doctrine and in thy love, so that no illusion 
of heresy or unbelief may ever turn them 
from the path of truth, no menance alarm 
them, no flattering embarrass them, but 
that they, as the children of light, in all 
piety, may persevere therein till to the end. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

jfor tbe Conversion of Sinners ant> 
Unbelievers* 

Great Glod! after the deluge, thou didst 
set the rainbow in the sky, as a token of 
thy clemency and mercy. 

A yet greater sign of thy infinite goodness 
and love for thy creatures, is thy continued 
presence in the blessed Sacrament, wherein 
thou offerest thy pardon and grace to all. 

How is it possible, that notwithstanding 



1-4 



easier tide. 



this excess of thy love, there are so many 
ungrateful and sinful people on this earth ? 

0 sweetest Jesus! suffer not the loss of 
those souls, whom thou hast redeemed by 
thy precious blood. 

Behold! with the eyes of thy mercy, this 
family, this country, for which thou hast 
been pleased to be delivered into the hands 
of the wicked, and to suffer the torments 
of the cross. 

0 Jesus ! in thy sacred blood soften those 
hardened hearts, which refuse to recognize 
thy love, and to turn away from sin. 

Thou lovest the souls, for thou didst die 
for them all, that not one may be lost. 

According to thy great mercy have, 
therefore, mercy on all those, who, on the 
broad road of destruction, hasten to eternal 
perdition. 

Enlighten them that are sitting in the 
shadows of death, that they may know 
their shameful errors. 

Dispose their weak and wavering wills, 
that they may prefer eternal salvation to 
temporal goods. 

Blot out, O Lord! all wickedness, that sin 
prevail not among us. but let true piety and 
devotion, love of Christian virtues, and zeal 
for thy holy service reign in our midst. 



PRAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 185 

Take care, 0 good Shepherd! that all 
straying sheep return to thy flock, that 
there may be but one fold and one shepherd, 
and that we may all profess and adore thee 
with one heart and one mouth. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

tfov Hvertma (Sob'a pumsbment 

0 Lord Jesus C hrist ! I adore thee most 
humbly, in the mystery of the holy Eucha- 
rist, as the only begotten Son of the Father, 
who appeared to Moses in the midst of a 
bush, which was burning, yet not consumed, 
and who did there disclose the design of 
delivering his people from the evils they 
were suffering. 

Thou, O good Jesus! art our true Moses, 
our high-priest, our mediator, and our pro- 
pitiation, for thou offerest thyself continu- 
ously, as an immaculate sacrifice, to appease 
the just anger of thy Father. 

I,' therefore, beg of thee, OLord! present 
to thy heavenly Father in .our behalf, all 
thy sacred wounds, the pains thou hast 
suffered, the cross on which thou hast died, 
the precious blood which thou hast shed 
for us. 

1 acknowledge the great and innumerable 
insults offered thee by men ; but I also know 
thy clemency and mercy. 



186 



EASTEB TIDE. 



Moved by these , avert from our country 
all the punishments , we have so well 
deserved. 

Preserve thy people from infertility of the 
earth ; from want and famine ; poverty and 
hunger; from pernicious tempests; from 
inundations and conflagrations; from 
noxious plagues and diseases; from pest, 
rebellion and war, and from every other 
evil. 

O Jesus, spare us! 0 Jesus, graciously 
hear us! O Jesus, have mercy on us! that 
we, with grateful hearts, may spend this 
present life in the enjoyment of thy divine 
blessings, and in the use of thy gifts and 
benefits for thy greater honor and glory. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

3for peace ant> TUnify. 

O Lord Jesus Christ ! as the dove brought 
the olive-branch of peace to Noah in the 
ark, so thou earnest into this world to 
establish peace, and hast given and be- 
queathed thy peace to thy disciples. 

Thy holy Sacrament, especially, is the 
bond which unites all in love and peace, and 
by which the faithful are made to be of one 
mind and one heart. 

We eat of the same bread, and drink of 



PEAYEKS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 187 

the same chalice; by thy precious blood, 
shed for us on the cross and offered daily in 
the holy sacrifice of Mass, heaven and earth 
are united. 

Let, then, thy holy peace reign in all of 
us, that, united by the bonds of love, we 
may praise and serve thee in sweet tran- 
quility. 

Remove from thy inheritance all discord ; 
all contention, confusion, and disharmony. 

Suffer not that among thy people be found 
a person given up to quarrel, a man of dis- 
pute, who shall disturb unity and peace, but 
make love, joy, peace and patience, kindness 
and meekness, goodness and longanimity 
prevail among us, so that every one may 
know, that thou, 0 Jesus! the Grod of peace 
dwellest in our midst. 

Our Father. Hail Mary, 

for ©staining all BleesinQS* 

Jesus, my Grod in the most blessed Sacra- 
ment ! I kneel before thy throne and implore 
thy holy blessing. 

O God! bless me, a poor, destitute crea- 
ture, that I may serve and adore thee with 
soul and body, and may be ever blessed in 
thee. 



188 



EASTER TIDE. 



O God! bless this house which is conse- 
crated to thy holy service, so that in it thy 
grace, honor, and glory may ever be exalted. 

O God ! bless thy children, who day and 
night appear before thy throne, and make 
them agreeable and pleasing to thee. 

O God ! from whose powerful hands flow 
all welfare, happiness, and benediction, 
bless this parish, and thy people therein, 
whom thou hast created, redeemed and 
sanctified. 

O God ! bless this country over which thy 
providence rules, and dispel from it every- 
thing that might disturb its peace and 
hinder its prosperity. 

O God ! through whom authority is rightly 
administered, laws are inacted, and judge- 
ment decreed, bless and assist with thy 
Holy Spirit, the President of these United 
States, that his administration may be con- 
ducted in righteousness, and be useful to 
thy people over whom he presides. 

O God ! bless and direct the deliberations 
of Congress, and shine forth in all the pro- 
ceedings and laws framed for our govern- 
ment, so that they may tend to the pro- 
motion of national happiness. 

O God ! bless his Excellency, the gover- 
nor of this state, the members of the 
Assembly, all judges, magistrates, and 



PEAYEES OF PETITION ON EOGATION DAYS. 189 

other officers, that they may be enabled, by 
thy powerful protection, to discharge the 
duties of their respective stations with 
honesty and ability. 

Bless, likewise, all our brethern and fel- 
low-citizens, throughout the United States 
and the whole w^orld, that all may be blessed 
in the knowledge, and sanctified in the obser- 
vance of thy holy law, and after enjoying 
the blessings of this life, be admitted to 
those which are eternal. 

O Grod, Father of light! from whom all 
good things come, bless us. 

O Grod ! who didst bless man when creating 
him, bless us. 

O God ! who didst give a great blessing to 
Noah after the deluge, bless us. 

O Grod! who didst bless Abraham after 
his sacrifice, and didst promise a blessing 
through him to all nations, bless us. 

O G-od! who didst bless Jacob through 
his father Isaac, and didst give him an 
abundance of the dew of heaven and the 
fatness of the earth, bless us. 

0 Grod! who hast been with Joseph in 
Egypt, and by thy blessing hast made him 
prosperous in all things, bless us. 

O .Grod! who through Moses, didst promise 
an universal blessing to thy people Israel, 



190 



EASTEE TIDE. 



if they would keep thy commandments, 
bless us. 

OGrod! who through Josue, didst lead the 
Israelites into the land of promise, which 
was flowing with milk and honey, bless us. 

O Jesus ! thou blessed fruit of the Virginal 
Mother! bless us. 

Thou, in whom the Father blessed us with 
all heavenly blessings, bless us. 

Thou, whose blessing flows in streams 
over the entire Church, bless us. 

Thou, who in the most blessed Sacrament, 
dost so often give us thy most efficacious 
blessing, bless, sanctify, and assist all those 
who call upon thee. 

May, then, the blessing of the almighty 
Grod, the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Grhost descend upon this place, upon the 
fruits of the earth, and remain always with 
us. Amen. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 



(So to 3C6U0 for His Blessing* 

Souls of men ! why will ye scatter 
Like a crowd of frightened sheep? 
Foolish hearts, why will you wander 
From a love so true and deep? 



PRAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 191 

Was there ever kinder shepherd 
Half so gentle, half so sweet 
As the Saviour, who would have us? 
Come, and gather at his feet. 

There's a wideness in God's mercy, 
Like the wideness of the sea : 
There's a kindness in his justice, 
Which is more than liberty. 

There is no place where earth's sorrows 
Are more felt than up in heaven ; 
There is no place where earth's failings 
Have such kindly judgments given. 

There is welcome for the sinner, 
And more graces for the good ; 
There is mercy with the Saviour; 
There is he?Jing in his blood. 

For the love of God is broader 
Than the measure of man's mind; 
And the heart of the Eternal 
Is most wonderfully kind. 

There is plentiful redemption 
In the blood that has been shed ; 
There is joy for all the members 
In the sorrow of the Head. 



192 



EASTER TIDE. 



If our love were but more simple, 
We should take him at his word ; 
And our lives would be all sunshine 
In the sweetness of our Lord. 

Xitan^ of Hll Saints. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

Grod, the Father of heaven,*) 

Grod the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

Grod the Holy Grhost, 

Holy Trinity, one Grod, 

Holy Mary,**) 

Holy Mother of God, 

Holy Virgin of virgins, 

St. Michael, 

St. Grabriel, 

St. Raphael, 

All ye holy Angels and Archangels, 
All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, 
St. John Baptist 
St. Joseph, 



*) Have mercy on us. 
**) Pray for us. 



PKAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 193 

All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets,*) 

St. Peter, 

St. Paul, 

St. Andrew, 

St. James, 

St. John, 

St. Thomas. 

St. James, 

St. Philip, 

St. Bartholomew, 

St. Matthew, 

St. Simon, 

St. Thaddeus, 

St. Matthias, 

St. Barnabas, 

St. Luke, 

St. Mark, 

All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, 
All ye holy Disciples of our Lord, 
All ye holy Innocents, 
St. Stephen, 
St. Lawrence, 
St. Vincent, 

SS. Fabian and Sebastian, 
SS. John and Paul, 
SS.' Cosmas and Damian, 
SS. Grervase and Protase, 
All ye holy Martyrs, 
St. Sylvester, 



*) Pray for us. 



194 



EASTER TIDE. 



St. Gregory,*) 
St. Ambrose, 
St. Augustine, 
St. Jerome, 
St. Martin, 
St. Nicholas, 

All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, 

All ye holy Doctors, 

St. Anthony, 

St. Benedict, 

St. Bernard, 

St. Dominic, 

St. Francis, 

All ye holy Priests and Levites, 

All ye holy Monks and Hermits, 

St. Mary Magdalen, 

St. Agatha, 

St. Lucy, 

St. Agnes, 

St. Cecilia, 

St. Catherine, 

St. Anastasia, 

All ye holy Virgins and Widows, 
All ye holy men and women, 
Make intercession for us. 
Be merciful. 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Be merciful. 

Graciously hear us, O Lord! 



*) Pray for us. 



PKAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 195 

From all evil,*) 
From all sin. 
From thy wrath, 

From a sudden and unlooked-for death, 

From the snares of the devil, 

From anger, hatred, and ill will, 

From the spirit of fornication, 

From war, famine, and pestilence, 

From lightning and tempest, 

From dangerous earthquakes, 

From everlasting death, 

Through the mystery of thy holy Incarnation, 

Through thy coming, 

Through thy nativity, 

Through thy baptism and holy fasting, 

Through thy cross and passion, 

Through thy death and burial, 

Through thy holy resurrection, 

Through thine admirable ascension, 

Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, 

the Paraclete, 
In the day of judgment, 
We sinners, 
Beseech thee, hear us. 
That thou wouldst spare us, **) 
That thou wouldst pardon us, 
That thou wouldst show us indulgence, 
That thou wouldst bring us to true penance, 



*) O Lord ! deliver us. 

**) We beseech thee, hear us. 



196 



EASTER TIDE. 



That thou wouldst vouchsafe to govern and 

preserve thy holy Church,*) 
That that wouldst vouchsafe to preserve 

our apostolic prelate, and all orders of 

the Church, in holy religion, 
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to humble the 

enemies of holy Church, 
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to give peace 

and true concord to Christian kings and 

princes, 

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant peace 

and unity to all Christian people, 
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to confirm 

and preserve us in thy holy service, 
That thou wouldst lift up our minds to 

heavenly desires, 
That thou wouldst render eternal blessing 

to all our benefactors, 
Tnat thou wouldst deliver our souls, and 
. the souls of our brethren, relations, and 

benefactors from eternal damnation, 
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to give and 

preserve the fruits of the earth, 
That thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant eternal 

rest to all the faithful departed, 
That thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to 

hear us, 
Son of God, 



*) We beseech thee, hear us. 



PKAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION BAYS. 197 

Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Our Father, (secretly.) 

Psalm 69. 

0 God ! come to my assistance : 0 Lord ! 
make haste to help me. 

Let them be confounded and ashamed 
that seek my soul. 

Let them be turned backward and blush 
for shame that desire evils to me. 

Let them be presently turned away blush- 
ing for shame that say to me: 7 Tis well, 'tis 
well. 

Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad 
in thee, and such as love thy salvation say 
always: the Lord be magnified. 

But I am needy and poor: 0 God! help 
me. 



198 



EASTER TIDE. 



Thou art my helper and my deliverer : 0 
Lord! make no delay. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

y. Save thy servants. 

R. Who hope in thee, 0 my God! 

V, Be unto us, 0 Lord! a tower of 
strength. 

1$*. From the face of the enemy. 

y. Let not the enemy prevail against us. 

1^. Nor the son of iniquity approach to 
hurt us. 

y. O Lord! deal not with us according 
to our sins. 

1^. Neither reward us according to our 
iniquities. 

JT. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff, 
N. 

fy. The Lord preserve him and give him 
life, and make him blessed upon the earth; 
and deliver him not up to the will of Irs 
enemies. 

y. Let us pray for our benefactors. 

fy. Vouchsafe, O Lord! for thy name's 
sake, to reward with eternal life all those 
that do us good. Amen. 

y. Let us pray for the faithful departed. 

fy. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord! 
and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

y. Let them rest in peace. 

fy. Amen. 



PKAYERS OF PETITION ON KOGATION BAYS. 199 

y. For our absent brethren. 

fy. Save thy servants, who hope in thee, 
0 my God ! 

y. Send them help, 0 Lord! from thy 
sanctuary. 

1^. And defend them out of Sion. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

^. And let my cry come unto thee. 

LET US PEAY. 

0 God ! whose property is always to have 
mercy and to spare, receive our humble 
petitions; that we, and all thy servants 
who are bound by the chains of sin, may, 
by the compassion of thy goodness, merci- 
fully be absolved. 

Graciously hear, we beseech thee, O Lord! 
the prayers of thy supplicants, and forgive 
the sins of those who confess to thee; that, 
in thy bounty, thou mayest grant us both 
pardon and peace. 

Show forth upon us, 0 Lord! in thy 
mercy, thy unspeakable loving kindness; 
that thou mayest both loose us from all our 
sins, and deliver us from the punishment 
which we deserve for them. 

O God! who by sin art offended, and 
by penance pacified, mercifully regard the 
prayers of thy people making supplication 



200 



EASTER TIDE. 



to thee, and turn away the scourges of thine 
anger, which we deserve for our sins. 

Almighty, everlasting Grod! have mercy 
upon thy servant N., our Sovereign Pontiff, 
and direct him, according to thy clemency, 
into the way of salvation; that, by thy 
grace, he may both desire those things that 
are pleasing to thee, and perform them with 
all his strength. 

O Grod! from whom all holy desires, all 
right counsels, and all just works do come, 
give unto thy servants that peace which the 
world cannot give; that our hearts being 
devoted to the keeping of thy command- 
ments, and the fear of our enemies being 
taken away from us, we may pass our time, 
by thy protection, peacefully. 

Inflame, O Lord! our reins and hearts 
with the fire of the Holy Ghost; that we 
may serve thee with a chaste body, and 
please thee with a clean heart. 

O Grod ! the Creator and Redeemer of all 
the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants 
departed the remission of all their sins; 
that through pious supplications they may 
obtain the pardon which they have always 
desired. 

Prevent, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! our 
actions by thy inspirations, and further 
them with thy continual help; that every 



PRAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 201 

prayer and work of our's may always begin 
from thee, and through thee be likewise 
ended. 

Almighty, everlasting Grod ! who hast 
dominion over the living and the dead, and 
art merciful to all whom thou foreknowest 
will be thine by faith and works : we humbly 
beseech thee, that they for whom we intend 
to pour forth our prayers, whether this 
present world still detains them in the flesh, 
or the world to come hath already received 
them stripped of their mortal bodies, may, 
by the grace* of thy loving kindness, and by 
the intercession of all the Saints, obtain 
the remission of all their sins. Through 
our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth 
and reigneth, one God with thee and the 
Holy Grhost, world without end. Amen. 

y. May the almighty and merciful Lord 
graciously hear us. 

1^. Amen. 

JT. And may the souls of the faithful 
departed, through the mercy of Grod, rest in 
peace. 

K . Amen 

Conclusion* 

O Jesus in the blessed Sacrament! thou 
art the inexhaustible source of all graces. 
From thee I expect the fulfillment of the 



202 



EASTER TIDE. 



prayers, which I have offered during this 
hour. 

0 heavenly Father! graciously hear my 
petitions, and let thy blessing descend upon 
all those, in whose behalf they were pre- 
sented to thee. 

As thou didst spare the people of Israel, 
after Moses had rendered to thee the sacri- 
fice of propitiation ; so also let the sacrifice 
of thy divine Son, who offers himself on 
our altars, be a pledge of the granting of 
my humble prayer. 

Mayest thou, 0 Jesus in the blessed 
Sacrament! be blessed forever and ever 0 
Amen. 

I rise from dreams of time, 
From the shadows of this life, 
From the tombs and places waste, 
From an earth of sin and strife ; 
I rise from dreams of time, 
And an Angel guides my feet, 
To thy sacred altar throne, 
Whereon thy heart doth beat. 

A lone lamp quivers still, 
And a wondrous silence reigns, 
Only with voice low and mild 
The Holy One complains ; 



PRAYERS OF PETITION ON ROGATION DAYS. 203 

Long have I waited here, 
And though thou heed'st not me, 
The heart of Mary's Son, 
Beats ever on for thee. 

In the womb of Maiden meek, 

In the crib and on the tree, 

Heart of undying love, 

It lived, loved, broke for me; 

While round me thunders peal, 

Yet as then, behold me now, 

By thy pierced and wounded hands, 

By thy torn and bleeding brow. 

O voice of the inward ear ! 

O voice of complaining love ! 

O thou, who art awful Glod, 

To realms below and above. 

Thou waitest and pleadest here, 

And canst not from us part, 

O veiled and wondrous Son ! 

0 love of the sacred heart ! 
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

1l . 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 
1^. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
1^. Thanks be to God. 
J. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace, 
II. Amen. 



Hscension of ©ur Xorb. 



y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O Q-od! incline unto my aid. 
^. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcoration. 

Come, let us adore Christ, our Lord. 

Let us adore him who has gloriously 
ascended into heaven. 

Come, let us render our homage to Jesus, 
who sitteth on the throne of his Father, and 
is really and truly present in the blessed 
Sacrament. 

It is truly just and meet to praise our 
Lord. 

For he has redeemed us, and has now 
returned to heaven, to prepare a dwelling 
for us. 

Come, let us give thanks to our Redeemer, 
and sing joyfully the song of the heavenly 
Spirits : 

(204) 



THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD. 205 



Holy, holy, holy, Lord, Grod of Hosts! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Grlory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatton, 

O Jesus, our Creator and Brother! our 
eyes and hearts have followed thee, from 
thy first rising upon this world. 

We have celebrated each of thy giant 
steps. 

But our very seeing thee thus ever growing 
in beauty and brightness told us that thou 
must one day leave us, to go and take 
possession of the place that was alone 
worthy of thee. 

The splendor that has been upon thee 
since thy resurrection, is not of this world. 

Thou canst no longer abide among us. 

Thou didst remain here below for these 
forty days, only for the purpose of conso- 
lidating thy work. 

The earth that has been blessed with thy 
visible presence for three and thirty years, 
is now to be deprived of its privilege 
and joy. 

We rejoice at thy triumph, as did thy 
blessed Mother, thy Apostles, and Disciples; 
but we are sad at the thought of losing thee 
— and thou wilt forgive us. 



206 



EASTEK TIDE. 



Thou wast our Emmanuel, our God with 
us: but, henceforth, we shall no longer be 
able to hear thee, nor see thee, nor touch 
thee, O Word of Life! 

Still, dearest Jesus! we say to thee, with 
all our hearts: glory and love be to thee, 
for thou hast treated us with infinite love 
and mercy. 

Thou didst not owe us anything; we were 
not worthy of a single look from thee ; and 
yet thou earnest down upon this sinful earth. 
Thou hast dwelt among us, thou hast paid 
our ransom by thy blood, thou hast re- 
established peace between God and man. 
It is, therefore, most just that thou shouldst 
return to him that sent thee. 

It is only to be regretted, that the majority 
of men refused to share the blessings of thy 
life amongst us. 

Thy precious blood has been shed in vain 
for many. Thy earthly labors and sufferings 
have profited nothing to millions. Thy 
heavenly kingdom, which thou didst open 
at thy ascension, will be obtained by but 
a few. 

O Jesus ! have mercy on thy poor creatures 
who are so ungrateful for what thou hast 
done for them, and who, on account of their 
blindness, will be excluded from thy heaven- 
ly glory. 



THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD. 207 



Enlighten all by thy holy grace, that their 
eyes may be opened, and that they may see 
what is for their salvation. 

Ascended to thy heavenly Father, thou, 0 
good Jesus! hast not left us orphans. Thou 
art still amongst us in the blessed Sacra- 
ment. But, as did the Jews of old, many 
deny thy presence in our midst. 

Forgive them, merciful God and Saviour! 
Forgive us all our coldness and tepidity, 
and help us that henceforth our love for 
thee may daily increase, and that we may, 
one day, be found worthy to praise and 
adore thee in heaven, whom we adore here 
on earth under the Eucharistic veil. 

O thou, eternal King most high! 
Who didst the world redeem ; 
And conquering death and hell, receive 
A dignity supreme. 

Thou, through the starry orbs, this day 
Didst to thy throne ascend ; 
Thenceforth to reign in sovereign power, 
And glory without end. 

There seated in thy majesty, 

To thee submissive bow 

The heaven of heavens, the earth beneath ; 

The realms of hell below. 



208 



EASTER TIDE. 



With trembling, there the Angels see 
The changed estate of man ; 
The flesh which sinned by flesh redeemed, 
Man in the Godhead reign. 

There, waiting for thy faithful souls, 
Be thou to us, O God! 
Our joy of joys, while here we stay; 
In heaven our great reward. 

©Ifc ant> IRew praters of tbe Cburdx 

Sing to the Lord, who hath ascended 
towards the East, above all the heavens. 

God is ascended with jubilee, and the 
Lord with the sound of trumpets. 

Ye men of Galilee, why look ye wondering 
up to heaven ! 

As they looked up, he was raised up and 
a cloud received him into heaven. 

As ye have seen him ascending into 
heaven, so shall he come again. 

0 King of glory! Lord of Hosts! who 
didst ascend in triumph above all the heav- 
ens, leave us not orphans, but send upon 
us the Holy Ghost, promised us by the 
Father. 

Grant, we beseech thee, 0 Almighty God! 
that we, who believe that thy only Son, our 
Redeemer, ascended into heaven, may also 
dwell there in desire. 



THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD. 209 

Only begotten Son of Grod! who having 
conquered death, didst pass from earth to 
heaven, who, as son of man, art seated in 
great glory on thy throne, receiving praise 
from the whole angelic host, give that we, 
who in the jubilant devotion of our faith 
celebrate thine ascension to the Father, may 
not be fettered by the chains of sin to the 
love of this world ; and that the aim of our 
hearts may unceasingly be directed to the 
heaven into which thou wast received. 

To-day, our Saviour, after assuming our 
human nature, returned to the throne of 
the Grodhead. 

To-day he offered to his Father that same 
nature, which he had previously offered to 
the endurance of his passion. 

He exalted in heaven the humanity, that 
he hath humbled in Limbo. 

He well deserved to see glory, who had 
seen the tomb. 

To-day he returned to the Father, though 
he hath not been here on earth without 
possessing all the power of the Father. 

To-day he ascended into heaven, though 
he hath not lost the adoration of the Angels, 
when he descended upon our world. 

One with the Father, he so entered into 
heaven as the new man, he that was not 
new to Grod. 



210 



EASTER TIDE. 



The powers of heaven trembled when they 
witnessed thine ascension , 0 Christ! and 
said to each other in fear: "Who is this 
King of glory? I 7 

This is Grod, the Word made flesh, who 
put sin to death upon the cross — the Grod 
mighty in power. 

This is he that rose from the tomb and 
destroyed death, and now comes, by a 
glorious ascension, to the Father — the 
Lord mighty in war. 

The heavenly principalities were amazed 
at thy coming, 0 Lord ! and cried unto each 
other with tremulous voice: "Lift up, lift 
up your gates, O ye princes! and the King 
of glory shall enter. \ 9 

The Cherubim of heaven were singing a 
new canticle, and saying in admiration: It 
is the King of glory, the Saviour and De- 
liverer of mankind. Open, open, and let 
him in. 

O how grand is the glory that is this day 
conferred on the Son of Grod! 

The fruit of our earth is this day exalted 
above all the thrones of the heavenly court. 

Like Moses, he enters the tabernacle, and 
people flock to see the grandeur of the 
mystery j the men of Gralilee stand looking 
up to the clouds that received him out of 
their sight. 



THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD. 211 

Like Jacob, he passed over the Jordan, 
enduring suffering of wondrous avail to us ; 

— and the staff he used was the cross. 

He ascended into heaven with two troops : 

— of angels and of the souls set free from 
Limbo — and ladden with treasures. 

When Elias was taken up from earth, he 
gave his two-fold spirit and his mantle to 
Eliseus: when Jesus ascended into heaven, 
he gave to his servants the talents of his 
graces. 

Let us, therefore, ask the almighty Father, 
through the name of his Son our Saviour, 
that he grant us admission into a spiritual 
life of grace, the gift of eternal happiness, 
and an ascension into the mansion of bliss. 

He surely will hear us now that we praise 
him, who went in search of us when we 
were lost. 

He will assist us that are now his people, 
who abandoned us not when we were aliens. 

He will be with us now that we know 
him, for he was not absent from us even 
when we knew him not. 

He will not suffer us to be orphans now 
that we are devoted to him, for he has 
vouchsafed to make us his children when 
we were his enemies. 

He will grant us what we ask, for he has 
promised to send us the Holy Ghost. 



212 



EASTER TIDE. 



0 Lord Jesus Christ! who didst bow 
down the heads of the lofty clouds when 
thou humbly earnest to live among men; 
and who in the same body wherein, for our 
sake, thou didst suffer death from the 
wicked, didst ascend above the heaven of 
heavens and receive the praises of Angels : 
graciously hear our prayers and mercifully 
grant, that being freed from sin, we may 
follow thee in desire to the region whither 
thou hast ascended in thy glorified humanity ; 
that thus we may one day see thee in thy 
majesty. Amen. 

Psalm 46. 

Clap your hands all ye nations; shout 
unto God with the voice of joy. 

For the Lord is most high, he is terrible; 
he is a great king of all the earth. 

He hath subdued the people under us; 
and the nations under our feet. 

He hath chosen for us his inheritance: 
the beauty of Jacob which he hath loved. 

God is ascended with jubilee; and the 
Lord with the sound of the trumpet. 

Sing praises to our God, sing ye, sing 
praises to our King, sing ye. 

For God is the king of all the earth : sing 
ye wisely. 



THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD. 213 

God shall reign over the nations: God 
sitteth on his holy throne. 

The princes of the people are gathered 
together with the God of Abraham : for the 
strong gods of the earth are exceedingly 
exalted. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Gbe Hscenaion ant> tbe Blessefc Sao 
rament 

Thou hast ascended into heaven, O Jesus! 
thou hast returned to thy heavenly Father 
and hast left this world. 

But, O good Jesus! thou art still with 
us; thou art yet among us in the blessed 
Sacrament. 

How thankful must we, thy poor creatures, 
be to thee, O Lord! for this excess of thy 
love. 

How sad it would have been to live on 
earth, after thy ascension, if we had not the 
holy Eucharist ! 

Now we need not to envy the Apostles 
and the faithful, who had the happiness to 
be in thy company during thy earthly life. 

We enjoy the same privilege; nay, a 
greater one. We are more closely united 
to thee in the Sacrament of Love, than 



214 



EASTER TIDE. 



those who lived with thee nineteen hundred 
years ago. 

Thou art always with us. Day and night, 
we find thee in the tabernacle. 

Thou even becomest our food, and deign- 
est to enter into our hearts, whenever we so 
desire. 

But, 0 dear Jesus! how is all this pos- 
sible! In heaven thou reignest over the 
whole universe. Angels and Saints lay 
prostrate at thy feet. Thou art their God. 
Everything is subject to thee. 

Here, in the tabernacle, thou art known 
to but a few j neglected even by thy friends ; 
insulted by many; ignored by the greater 
majority of thy favored people. 

O Jesus! were it not for thy boundless 
love for us, we could never account for thy 
presence amongst us. 

May, therefore, also our hearts burn with 
love for thee. 

Henceforth I shall live only for thy love. 
That which the Angels do in heaven, I shall 
do here on earth: praise and adore thee. 

O Jesus ! look down upon this my promise 
with eyes of mercy, and as thou didst bless 
the faithful before thou didst ascend into 
thy heavenly kingdom, so now bless me and 
help me to keep what I have promised. 



THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD. 215 

Sigbs for ©ur 1beawnl$ Ibome* 

O Jesus! who didst on this day ascend 
into thy heavenly kingdom, when shall I 
also go to heaven? 

When shall the time come, 0 Lord! that 
I shall be delivered from all my troubles 
and afflictions? 

When shall I enjoy that unchanging 
peace, free from all temptations, and from 
all danger of being lost? 

When, my Grod! shall I find myself 
dwelling with thee, and enjoying the sight 
of thine unveiled beauty? 

When shall I attain to the possession of 
thee, my Creator! in thy celestial kingdom? 

O my Saviour ! whilst thou seest me an 
exile and full of trouble, in this land of 
enemies, where I live in continual warfare, 
help me with thy grace, and console me in 
my sorrowful banishment. 

Exile as I am in this valley of tears, I 
would fain think continually of thee, O my 
Grod! and share in that infinite happiness 
which thou en joy est; but the evil appetites 
of sense make themselves heard within me 
and disturb me. 

O that my affections were ever occupied 
in loving and thanking thee; but, in my 
flesh, I feel drawn towards sensual delights, 



216 



EASTER TIDE. 



and I am constrained to exclaim with St. 
Paul: "Unhappy creature that I am, who 
shall deliver me from the body of this 
death? " i 

Miserable man that I am, in continual 
combat, not only with external enemies, but 
also with myself ! 

O house of my Grod ! prepared for those 
that love thee, to thee I sigh from this land 
of misery! 

O beloved Shepherd of my soul! who 
didst descend from heaven to save all, save 
also me, that I may dwell with thee forever 
in that home of bliss. 

Take away, O Jesus! my sins, and give 
me courage to hope, that some day, I may 
come to love thee and behold thee unveiled 
in thy blessed kingdom. 

O Christ, the source of our delight! 
Enthroned on thy celestial light ; 
Thou rulest all these lower skies, 
That far above them we may rise. 

Hence, thee once more we pray, forgive, 
That through thy pardon we may live ; 
Oh! raise our hearts to grace divine, 
To thee, their only worthy shrine. 



THE ASCENSION OF OUB LORD. 217 



That so when thou shalt come in flame 
To judge men in thy Father's name; 
Thou mayest call thy children blest 
And summon them to perfect rest. 

Be thou our joy in whom is stored 
Our hope and promise of reward ; 
Be thou our glory, till the age 
Of heaven shall reach a final stage. 

To thee, 0 Lord! be glory given, 
Who climbest high the starry heaven, 
With Sire and Spirit, Three in One, 
As long as endless ages run. 

%ttan$ of tbe Hol$ IRame of 3esus* 

(See page 57.) 

Conclusion* 

O my dear J esus ! whom I have adored 
enthroned at the right hand of thy eternal 
Father, and here on the altar, graciously 
hear my humble prayers and mercifully 
accept them. 

Raise my heart frequently to heaven. 
Teach me the way to heaven, and give me 
the grace to obtain heaven by a good life. 

0 Lord! be thou near me at the moment 
of temptation, and let me never lose heaven 
by mortal sin. 



218 



EASTER TIDE. 



Let heaven be the only object 01 my desires. 
Let me do and suffer all things for heaven, 
that after this life, I may be found worthy 
to be united to thee in thy kingdom for ever 
and ever. 

In conclusion let me give due praise to 
thy most blessed Sacrament. 

O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

Jesus, sweet Jesus, my treasure divine! 
0 with what rapture I call thee all mine ; 
Brilliant, celestial, my glory, my sun, 
0 that I loved thee, thou beautiful One! 

Fountain of sweetness, abyss of delight, 
Robed in thy splendor, immortal and bright ! 
Thou Grod of my heart ! O when shall I flee 
Away from my prison to love only thee? 

Jesus, my Jesus, so priceless in worth! 
Joy of the Angels, and hope of the earth! 
Strong are the links and the bonds, which 
confine 

My heart and my soul to thee, Jesus! all 
mine. 



THE ASCENSIOH OF OUB LORD. 219 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
fy. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
Tty. Thanks be to Grod. _ 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
1^. Amen. 



y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O Grod! incline unto my aid. 
1^. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcorattom 

ALLELUIA! The Spirit of the Lord hath 
filled the whole world. 

Come, let us adore him. 

Come, let us give praise to our Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 

Who, unwilling to leave us orphans, has 
sent the Paraclete to remain with us forever. 

Come, let us prepare a dwelling for the 
Holy Spirit in our hearts. 

Let us dispose ourselves to receive him 
worthily, and falling upon our knees before 
him, humbly say with all the Angels and 
Saints of heaven: 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
(220) 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



221 



Grlory be to the Father ] etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatioru 

O Lord Jesus Christ! when the time had 
come for thee to return to thy Father, thou 
didst console thy disciples, by promising 
them the Holy Grhost. 

Thou didst fulfill the promise on Pente- 
cost Sunday, when the Holy Spirit descended 
upon the Apostles, in the form of fiery 
tongues. 

That grand day saw thy faithful servants 
suddenly filled with unheard of graces, and 
they began to preach thy Grospel in divers 
tongues. 

It now seems that this great miracle and 
the many others which the Holy Grhost 
wrought, should have converted every 
person. 

Alas! there are men, who rather believe 
the spirit of darkness, than the Spirit of Cod. 

They do not accept the doctrine of the 
only saving Church, which is governed by 
the Holy Grhost, but live in heresy and 
infidelity. 

They even reject thy very presence, 0 
Lord! in the blessed Sacrament, refuse to 
listen to thy inspirations, and to follow thy 
sweet voice. 



222 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



O my dear Jesus! I cast myself at thy 
feet, and humbly ask pardon for these 
unhappy people. 

Forgive them, 0 Lord! and do not 
remember their sins. 

Send thy Holy Spirit upon them to 
enlighten their darkness, to soften their 
hardened hearts, and to bring them back 
to the way of truth. 

Create a clean heart in us, and renew a 
right spirit within us. 

Cast us not away from thy face, and take 
not thy holy spirit from us ; but strengthen 
us with a perfect spirit. 

That we may all serve thee faithfully and 
be found worthy to praise thee, with the 
Father and the Holy Spirit, for all eternity. 

Come, Holy Ghost! Creator, come! 
From thy bright, heavenly throne; 
Come, take possession of our souls, 
And make them all thine own. 

Thou who art called the Paraclete, 
Best gift of Grod above : 
The living spring, the living fire, 
Sweet unction and true love. 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



223 



Thou who art sevenfold in thy grace, 
Finger of Grod's right hand; 
His promise, teaching little ones 
To speak and understand. 

0! guide our minds with thy blessed light, 
With love our hearts inflame ; 
And with thy strength, which ne'er decays, 
Confirm our mortal frame. 

Far from us drive our hellish foe, 
True peace unto us bring ; 
And through all perils lead us safe, 
Beneath thy sacred wing. 

Through thee may we the Father know ; 
Through thee th ? eternal Son, 
And thee, the Spirit of them both; 
Thrice blessed Three in One. 

All glory to the Father be, 
With his co-equal Son, 
The like to thee, great Paraclete! 
While endless ages run. 

praters of tbe (Tburcb. 

When the days of Pentecost were accom- 
plished, they were altogether in one place. 

And suddenly there came a sound from 
heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and 



224 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



it filled the whole house where they were 
sitting. 

And they were all filled with the Holy 
Ghost, and published the wonderful works 
of God. 

O God! who by the light of the Holy 
Grhost, didst instruct the hearts of the 
faithful; grant that, by the same Spirit, we 
may relish what is right and ever rejoice in 
his consolation. 

May the pouring forth of the Holy Ghost 
into our hearts cleanse them, O Lord! and 
render them fruitful by the inward sprink- 
ling of the dew of his grace. 

Come, O Holy Spirit! fill the hearts of 
thy faithful and kindle within them the fire 
of thy love. 

Come, 0 Holy Spirit! and send from 
heaven a ray of thy light. 

Come, Father of the poor! Come, Giver 
of gifts! Come, thou Light of our hearts! 

Thou best of Comforters! The soul's 
sweet guest and refreshment ! 

Her rest in toil; her shelter in heat; her 
solace in woe! 

O most blessed Light ! fill the inmost soul 
of thy faithful. 

Without thy divine assistance, there is 
naught in man, there is naught but evil. 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



225 



Cleanse our defilements; water our dry- 
ness; heal our wounds. 

Bend our stubborn will; warm up our 
cold hearts; guide our straying steps. 

Give to thy faithful who hope in thee thy 
holy Seven of Gifts. 

Give them the merit of virtue ; give them 
the happy issue of salvation; give them 
endless joy. Amen. Alleluia. 

©lb praters of tbe Cburcfx 

The venerable lips, whose words were 
ever grave, said to his Apostles: " Depart 
not from Jerusalem, for when I shall be 
seated on my Father's throne, I will pour 
forth on you who desire the light, the 
infinite grace of the Spirit. 17 

Having consumated his course, the Word, 
ever faithful to his promise, filled their 
hearts with sweet peace, and gave them the 
Spirit in the form of fiery tongues. 

How incomprehensible is the power of 
our most holy God ! 

Of illiterate men he made orators, whose 
words silenced philosophers, and by the 
bright Spirit that was within them, rescued 
countless people from the thick veil of error. 

O dear Spirit! thou enlightener of men, 
dispel from our souls the horrid darkness 
that is in them. 



226 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



0 divine Lover of holy thoughts ! merci- 
fully infuse thine unction into our minds. 

O Spirit, Purifier of all our sins! purify 
the eyes of our inward man. 

O sacred Fire ! O paraclete Spirit ! thou 
art the life of every creature's life. 

Thou art the Holy One, vivifying all 
beings. 

Thou art the Holy One, healing with 
thine unction them that are dangerously 
bruised. 

Thou art the Holy One, cleansing our 
putrid wounds. 

O Breath of holiness ! O Fire of charity ! 
0 thou sweet Saviour of the soul! 

O purest Fount ! wherein is reflected Ood's 
mercy that adopts aliens for his children, 
and goes in search of them that are lost. 

O save us, thy people. Be the protector 
of them that have been imprisoned by thy 
enemy. Loose the bonds of them, whom 
God's power would save. 

It was thou that inspired the Prophets, 
and gavest them to foretell the grand glories 
of Christ. 

It was thou that didst strengthen the 
Apostles, that they might carry the trophy 
of Christ throughout the world. 

When God, by his Word, created the 
heavens, earth, and seas, thou, O Holy 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



227 



Spirit ! didst stretch thy divine and fostering 
influence upon the waters , making them 
fruitful with living beings. 

By thine inspiration, thou makest men to 
be spiritual. 

. Thou, O Holy Spirit! didst give unity to 
the world, that, heretofore, was divided in 
language and religion. 

Mercifully hear, then, us who offer thee 
our prayers, without whom all prayers are 
vain and unworthy to be presented to Grod. 

O Holy Spirit ! merciful Paraclete ! Love 
of the Father and the Son! Link of the 
Begetting and the Begotten ! 

Their Groodness and Charity! the Purity 
of their essence ! benignity, sweetness, and 

joy! 

The Bond that joinest Grod to man! the 
Power that unitest man to Grod ! 

To thee, who, with the Father and the 
Son, art alone worthy of adoration; to thee, 
that proceedest from both, be worship and 
honor. 

Thou art gentle and joyous, worthy of 
love and praise. 

Thou cleansest the soul from vanity; 
thou art the lover of purity. 

Thou art music to them that mourn in 
exile; the melody of them that are in joy. 



228 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



The consoler of the pious, the inspirer of 
the good, the counsellor of the afflicted. 

The remover of errors, the teacher of the 
ignorant, the solver of doubts. 

Thou supportest the weak, guidest the 
wanderer, bringest back him that is astray, 
holdest him that is falling, encouragest him 
that strives, perfectest him that loves. 

Thou art the foundation of sanctity ; the 
nourishment of chastity; the beauty of 
meekness ; the solace of poverty ; the treas- 
ury of munificence ; the bulwark of honesty ; 
the refuge of the miserable; the deliverer 
of captives. 

Thou art the spirit of truth and the bond 
of brotherly love. 

Thou givest reward to them that merit 
it ; thou inflictest punishment on them that 
have no merit. 

Thou breathest where and when thou 
wilt; thou teachest whom thou wilt, and as 
much as thou wilt. 

Thou art order, that beautifiest all things j 
thou art beauty, that ordainest all things — 
said, done, or thought; — giving truth to 
what is said; honesty to what is done; 
purity to what is thought. 

Thou art the good and perfect gift, giving 
both, understanding and love. 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



229 



Thou guidest man to truth ; thou f ormest 
his love ; thou confirmest him in good, and 
having made him deserving of love, thou 
crownest him at heaven's gate. 

Praise, then, be to thee, O thou praise- 
yielding Spirit! thou joy of life, our hope, 
our highest honor, the giver of the reward 
of light. 

Mumble Supplicatione to tbe Hoty 
©boat 

0 Holy Spirit, divine Paraclete! father 
of the poor, consoler of the afflicted, light 
of hearts, sanctifier of souls! behold me 
prostrate in thy presence. 

1 adore thee with the most profound 
submission, and I repeat a thousand times 
with the Seraphs before thy throne: Holy, 
holy, holy. 

I firmly believe that thou art eternal and 
consubstantial with the Father and the Son. 

I hope that by thy goodness, thou wilt 
sanctify and save my soul. 

I love thee, O Grod of love! and wish to 
love thee above all. 

I offer thee my heart, cold as it is, and I 
supplicate thee to let a ray of light and a 
spark of fire enter therein, to melt the 
hardened ice of my iniquities. 



230 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



Thou who didst fill the soul of Mary with 
immense graces , and didst inflame the 
hearts of the Apostles, vouchsafe also to set 
my heart on fire with thy love. 

Thou art a divine Spirit: fortify me 
against evil spirits. 

Thou art light: enlighten ine, so that I 
may know eternal things. 

Thou art a dove : give me great purity of 
heart. 

Thou art a breath that is full of sweet- 
ness : dissipate the storms that my passions 
raise up against me. 

Thou art a tongue : teach me the manner 
of praising thee without ceasing. 

Thou art a cloud: cover me with the 
shadow of thy protection. 

Thou art the author of all heavenly gifts : 
0, I beseech thee, grant them to me. 

Vivify me by thy grace ; sanctify me by 
thy charity; govern me by thy wisdom; 
adopt me by thy bounty as thy child ; and 
save me by thy infinite mercy. 

prater for tbe Seven (Sifts of tbe 
1bol£ 6bost 

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom! and instruct 
my heart, that I may always have my last 
end before me, and perform my good works 



THR HOLY GHOST. 



231 



with a pure intention. Let me value and 
use earthly goods only in-as-much as they 
are useful to my soul, and necessary 
for the wants of this life; but heavenly 
things let me ever know and praise more 
and more. Make known to me the safest 
way in which I can find, and finding possess 
thee forever. Amen. Our Father, etc. 

Come, O Spirit of Understanding! 
enlighten my soul, to know and embrace 
with grateful love the mysteries of faith, 
that, in thy light, I may come to the perfect 
knowledge of thee, the Father, and the Son. 
Amen. Our Father, etc. 

Come, O Spirit of Council! assist me in 
all the affairs of this unsettled life, incline 
my heart to good, turn it away from evil, 
assist me on all doubtful occasions that I 
may reach the destined goal of everlasting 
happiness by the way of thy command- 
ments. Amen. Our Father, etc. 

Come, O Spirit of Fortitude! strengthen 
my heart in every temptation, confusion, 
and affliction • give me virtue and courage 
in all malicious attacks of the enemy, that 
I may never be misled shamefully to forsake 
thee, my God. Amen. Our Father, etc. 

Come, O Spirit of Knowledge ! guide my 
desire of learning, that I may not seek 
that science which may prove useless or 



232 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



dangerous. Let me know the vanity of all 
transitory goods. Grive me diligence in 
learning and practicing the duties of my 
religion and state of life ; teach me to fulfill 
them in a manner pleasing to thee. Amen. 
Our Father, etc. 

Come, O Spirit of Piety! fill my heart 
with true devotion and holy love for Gk>d, 
my Lord, that, in all my prayers, I may 
continually seek, and by true charity find 
him. Amen. Our Father, etc. 

Come, O Spirit of Fear! penetrate my 
heart wdth a loving reverence towards Gk>d, 
that I may never do anything displeasing 
to his divine Majesty. Amen. Our Father, 
etc. 

prater for tbe twelve jfrutte of tbe 
1boi\> (Sbost 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son ! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Charity , that I may be united 
to thee by the bond of love. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son ! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Joy, that I may be filled 
with holy consolation. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son ! I beseech thee, to grant unto 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



233 



me the fruit of Peace, that I may ever enjoy 
inward tranquility of soul. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son ! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Patience, that I may humbly 
endure everything that may be opposed to 
my own desires. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son! I beseech thee, to grant 
unto me the fruit of Benignity, that I may 
willingly relieve the necessities of my 
neighbor. 

O Holy Spirj^ ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Goodness, that I may be 
benevolent towards all. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Longanimity, that I may not 
be discouraged by delay, but may persevere 
in prayer. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Mildness, that I may subdue 
every rising of evil temper, stifle every 
murmur, and suppress the susceptibilities 
of my nature, in all my dealings with my 
neighbor. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son ! I beseech thee, to grant unto 



234 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



me the fruit of Fidelity, that I may rely, 
with assured confidence, on the word of Glod. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Modesty, that I may order 
my exterior regularly. 

O Holy Spirit ! eternal Love of the Father 
and the Son ! I beseech thee, to grant unto 
me the fruit of Continence and Chastity, 
that I may keep my body in such holiness 
as becometh thy temple, so that, having by 
thy assistance preserved my heart pure on 
earth, I may merit in Jesus Christ, to see 
Grod eternally in the glory of his kingdom. 
Amen. 

Holy Grhost ! come down upon thy children, 
Give us grace and make us thine ; 
Thy tender fire within us kindle, 
Blessed Spirit, Dove divine! 

For all within us good and holy 
Is from thee, thy precious gift; 
In all our joys, in all our sorrows, 
Wistful hearts to thee we lift. 

For thou to us art more than father, 
More than sister, in thy love, 
So gentle, patient, and forebearing, 
Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove! 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



235 



0 we have grieved thee, gracious Spirit! 
Wayward, wanton, cold are we; 
And still our sins, new every morning, 
Never yet have wearied thee. 

Dear Paraclete ! how hast thou waited 
While our hearts were slowly turned ; 
How often hath thy love been slighted, 
While for us it grieved and burned. 

Now, if our hearts do not deceive us, 
We would take thee for our Lord ; 
O dearest Spirit ! make us faithful 
To thy least and lightest word. 

Holy Grhost ! come down upon thy children, 
Give us grace and make us thine ; 
Thy tender fire within us kindle, 
Blessed Spirit, Dove divine! 

Xltan^ of tbe Moly (Sbost 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 



236 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



Gk)d, the Father of heaven,*) 

Gk>d, the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

Gk)d, the Holy Grhost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Holy Grhost, thou Spirit of wisdom and 
understanding, 

Spirit of council and fortitude, 

Spirit of knowledge and piety, 

Spirit of faith and hope, 

Spirit of holy fear and love, 

Spirit of peace and joy, 

Spirit of patience, longanimity and good- 
ness, 

Spirit of continency and chastity, 

Spirit of humility and mortification, 

Spirit of life and salvation, 

Spirit of all virtues and graces, 

Spirit of the children of Gk)d, 

Teacher and governor of the Catholic 

Church, 
Searcher of human hearts, 
Consoler of the afflicted, 
Strength of pious souls, 
Crown of all saints, 
Joy of the angels, 
Light of the patriarchs, 
Inspirer of the prophets. 
Wisdom of the apostles, 
Victory of martyrs and confessors, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



237 



Purity of virgins,*) 
Be merciful. 

Spare us, O Holy Ghost! 
Be merciful. 

Graciously hear us, O Holy Ghost! 
From the spirit of heresy,**) 
From the spirit of blasphemy, 
From all sin and temptation, 
From impugning the known truth, 
From presumption of God's mercy, 
From despair, 

From envy, malice and ill-will, 
From obstinacy in sin, 

From all sloth and indifference in the ser- 
vice of God, 

From all bad and impure thoughts and 
desires, 

From a sudden and unprovided death, 
From everlasting death, 
We sinners,!) 

That thou wouldst exalt the Catholic Church, 
enlighten her pastors, and sanctify her 
members, 

That thou wouldst grant us the grace never 

to offend thee, 
That thou wouldst increase in us devotion 

and resignation to the will of God, 

*) Have mercy on us. 

**) Deliver us, O Holy Ghost ! 

f) We beseech thee, to hear us. 



238 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



That thou wouldst infuse in us zeal, meek- 
ness, and love,*) 

That thou wouldst sanctify all our thoughts, 
words, and actions, 

That thou wouldst cleanse our hearts and 
make them thy dwelling, 

That thou wouldst preserve our body and 
soul, as thy temple, from all stain, 

That thou w r ouldst confirm us in thy grace, 

That thou wouldst enlighten the erring and 
bring them back to the true fold, 

That thou wouldst take us all into the com- 
pany of the elect, 

Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 
the world, 

Spare us, O Lord! 

Lamb of God! etc. 

Graciously hear us, O Lord! 

Lamb of God! etc. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

PRAYER. 

We beseech thee, 0 Holy Spirit! descend 
with thy light and consolation lovingly into 
our souls, enlighten our understanding, and 
consecrate the hearts which thou hast sancti- 
fied as thy temples. 0 Holy Ghost! come 



*J We beseech thee, to hear us. 



THE HOLY GHOST. 



239 



and bring us God's blessing and peace; 
console us and all the afflicted, encourage 
and strengthen the weak; instruct and 
support the wavering ; rouse the sinners to 
penance, and enkindle in their cold hearts 
the fire of divine love and a filial confidence 
in thee, that all men, in peace and joy, may 
thankfully praise and adore thee, together 
with the Father and the Son, one God, 
world without end. Amen. 

Conclusion. 

O dearest Jesus! who, in the tabernacle, 
art always praying for us to thy heavenly 
Father, graciously accept my prayer, and 
mercifully unite it to thine that it may be 
pleasing to the divine Majesty. 

Thou, O Lord! didst promise thy Apost- 
les the Holy Ghost. Send him, I beseech 
thee, also upon me, that he may rule and 
guide me, and assist me especially always 
worthily to adore thee in the blessed 
Eucharist. 

Thou, O Jesus! art one with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost ; therefore is the Father 
and the Holy Ghost also united with thee 
in the Sacrament of Love. 

Our adoration of the blessed Sacrament 
is, consequently, also the adoration of God 
the Father and the Holy Ghost. 



240 



WHITSUNTIDE. 



What an encouragement forme, O Lord! 
to spend every spare moment before the 
tabernacle, there to do what the Angels are 
doing in heaven: to praise God the Father, 
thee his Son, and the Holy Ghost . 

But, now, O Jesus! I must leave thy holy 
altar. Let thy Holy Spirit accompany me 
to the cares and troubles of this life, that 
all I do or suffer may be sanctified by him, 
and directed to thy greater honor. 

0 Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

1b\mtn, 

Jesus! my Lord, my God, my All! 
How can I love thee as I ought ! 
And how revere this wondrous gift. 
So far surpassing hope or thought ; 
Sweet Sacrament, we thee adore! 
Oh, make us love thee more and more! 

Had I but Mary's sinless heart, 

To love thee with, my dearest King! 

Oh, with what bursts of fervent praise. 

Thy goodness, Jesus, would I sing! 

Sweet Sacrament, we thee adore! 

Oh make us love thee more and more ! 

No Commemoration, if said within the Octave of 
Pentecost. 



THE HOLY GHOST, 



241 



y. 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 
1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
fy. Thanks be to Grod. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Gk>d ? rest in peace. 
fy. Amen. 



Xtrtmt£ 5unba\>. 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O G-od! incline unto my aid. 
^. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
G-lory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcoration, 

Come, let us adore the eternal Grod, the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Grhost. 

Come, let us prostrate ourselves in spirit 
before his heavenly throne, and render him 
our most humble adoration. 

Let us give him thanks for all his benefits ; 
let us glorify and exalt him above all 
heavens. 

Let us, in particular, honor the second 
Person of the blessed Trinity, our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, in the blessed Sacra- 
ment. 

Come, let us most humbly adore him in 
this great mystery of love ; and let us offer 
him due praise and thanksgiving. 

(242) 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



243 



Let us join in the canticles of the angelic 
choirs , and sing to the triune Grod: 
Holy, holy , holy, Lord God of Hosts ! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Grlory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation* 

O most holy and adorable Trinity, Father, 
Son, and Holy Grhost! I come to render 
thee my humble homage. 

Thou art the great and holy Grod, worthy 
of all praise and adoration. 

But, how dare I approach thee? I know 
that I am a poor sinner, and thou art 
sanctity itself. 

Mercifully forgive my sins, 0 Lord! and 
receive me again as thy servant. 

Also graciously accept my petitions for 
the remission of the sins of all mankind. 

Avert thy wrath from thy people, and 
remember that with thee there is mercy and 
plentiful redemption. 

O Jesus ! who art always praying for us 
in the blessed Sacrament, ask thy heavenly 
Father in our behalf for forgiveness and 
mercy. 

Through thee, I offer the prayers of this 
hour, and hope to obtain thereby thy grace, 



2U 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



the charity of the Father, and the com- 
munion of the Holy Grhost. 

Let us bless the Father, and the Son, with 
the Holy Ghost. 

Let us bless and exalt him for ever and 
ever. 

Have mercy on us, G-od most high! 
Who lift our hearts to thee ; 
Have mercy on us worms of earth, 
Most holy Trinity! 

When heaven and earth were yet unmade, 
When time was yet unkown, 
Thou, in thy bliss and majesty, 
Didst live and love alone. 

How wonderful creation is, 
The work that thou didst bless ; 
And oh! what then must thou be like, 
Eternal loveliness ! 

0 majesty most beautiful, 
Most holy Trinity! 
On Mary's throne we climb to get 
A far-off sight of thee. 

0 listen, then, most pitiful. 
To thy poor creature's heart; 
It blesseth thee that thou art GTod, 
That thou art what thou art. 



THE HOLY TEINITY. 



245 



Most ancient of all mysteries, 
Before thy throne we lie ; 
Have mercy now, most merciful, 
Most holy Trinity ! 

praiee of tbe Ibolip Grimt^ 

Blessed be the holy Trinity and the 
undivided Unity. 

Great is the Lord : he exists from eternity 
unto eternity, and his kingdom is without 
end. 

Bless the Lord, ye children of Israel! 
bless him in the assembly of all nations. 

Make known all the wonders of his hands, 
for he is the Almighty and none is equal 
to him. 

Bless the Lord all ye just: praise and 
exalt him above all forever. 

O Lord ! thou art our Creator, and we are 
the work of thy hands. 

Thou hast created heaven and earth by 
thy strong and mighty arm, and nothing is 
impossible to thee. 

Great, strong, and mighty Grod; thy 
name is Grod of Hosts. 

Thou art great in thy designs, and 
incomprehensible to human thoughts. 

Almighty Grod of Israel! thou art our 
Lord and Grod, and our hearts shall sing 
thy praise for ever and ever. 



246 



TEINITY SUNDAY. 



Thou hast engraven thy fear upon our 
hearts ? that we may call upon thy holy 
name. 

May Grod, our Grod bless us : may Grod bless 
us; and all the ends of the earth fear him. 

O incomprehensible, triune Grod! O abyss 
of wisdom, power, and goodness! to thee be 
all glory and adoration. 

Blessed be the holy name of thy glory, 
for it is worthy of all praise and adoration 
throughout eternity. 

Blessed be thou, O Lord Grod! for thou 
art worthy of all praise and glory in eternity. 

O Grod of my heart ! May all the choirs of 
Angels and all the hosts of the Saints, whom 
thou hast elected from all eternity, glorify 
thee, and praise thee for me. 

May that wonderful tabernacle of thy 
glory, which worthily bore thee for nine 
months, praise thee for me. 

May the seven glorious Spirits, who ever 
stand before thy throne, praise thee for me. 

May the countless army of thy holy 
Angels, whom thou sendest forth in the 
sendee of thy chosen people, praise thee 
for me. 

May the four-and-twenty Elders, with all 
the Patriarchs and Prophets, who lay down 
their crowns and fall prostrate before thy 
majesty, praise thee for me. 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



247 



May the four winged beasts, who, in 
unceasing tones, pour forth thy praises, day 
and night, praise thee for me. 

May the celebrated Apostles, through 
whose prayers thy Church is wonderfully 
upheld, praise thee for me. 

May the conquering army of Martyrs, 
who have washed their garments in the 
precious blood of the Lamb, praise thee 
for me. 

May the whole multitude of Confessors, 
whose spirits have been made mighty in thy 
marvelous light, praise thee for me. 

May the holy and spotless band of Vir- 
gins, whom thou hast specially adorned 
with the splendor of thy lily-white purity, 
praise thee for me. 

May they all praise thee for me, who sing 
the wonderful song which they alone can 
sing, who follow thee whithersoever thou 
goest. 

May the whole army of Saints, and the 
whole band of thine Elect, praise thee for 
me; for thou art their God, and they are 
thy people. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 



248 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



lprofeesicm of jfaitb in tbe 36le6seb 

0 rnyGod! I believe in thee. I believe 
that thou art one God in essence, but three 
in person, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

1 believe that the Father is uncreated, the 
Son uncreated, the Holy Ghost uncreated. 

That the Father is infinite, the Son in- 
infinite, the Holy Ghost infinite. 

That the Father is eternal, the Son etern- 
al, the Holy Ghost eternal. 

And yet they are not three eternals, but- 
one eternal; not three uncreated, but one 
uncreated; not three infinites, but one 
infinite. 

In like manner do I believe that the 
Father is almighty, the Son almighty, the 
Holy Ghost almighty. 

And yet there are not three almighties, but 
one almighty. 

I believe that the Father is Lord, the Son 
is Lord, and the Holy Ghost is Lord; but 
that they are not three Lords, but one Lord. 

I believe that the Father was made by no 
one, neither created, nor begotten. 

I believe that the Son is by the Father 
alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. 

I believe that the Holy Ghost is from the 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



249 



Father and the Son, not made, nor created, 
nor begotten, but proceeding. 

I believe that there is one Father, not 
three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons, 
one Holy Grhost, not three Holy Grhosts. 

I believe that in this Trinity there is 
nothing before or after ; nothing greater or 
less, but that the whole three persons are 
co-eternal together and co-equal. 

I do not understand this, O my G-od! — 
thy mysteries exceed the understanding of 
a poor creature ; — but I believe it, because 
thou, O eternal Truth! hast been pleased 
to reveal it to us. 

I believe further the Catholic doctrine of 
the Incarnation, Passion, Death, and Re- 
surrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
second Person of the blessed Trinity. 

I believe that Jesus Christ, in order to 
save and redeem us, became man and was 
born of the Virgin Mary. 
% I believe that he is both, perfect Grod and 
perfect man, consisting of a rational soul 
and human flesh. 

I believe that he is Grod of the substance 
of his Father, begotten before the world; 
and man of the substance of his Mother, 
born in the world. 

I believe that he is equal to the Father, 



250 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



according to his Divinity • and less than the 
Father, according to his humanity. 

I believe that he is, although both God 
and man, not two. but one Christ. 

One, not by the conversion of the God- 
head into flesh, but by the assuming of 
human nature unto God. 

One altogether, not by confusion of sub- 
stance, but by unity of person. 

For as the rational soul and the body 
constitutes one man, so God and man is 
one Christ. 

I believe that the Son of God, made man, 
suffered for our salvation, descended into 
hell, and arose again the third day. 

I believe that he established the Catholic 
Church for our salvation, made St. Peter 
the head of his Church, and is ever since 
teaching and guiding us through the 
Church. 

I believe also that he instituted the seven 
Sacraments for the salvation of mankind, 
that is to say: Ba'ptism, Confirmation, Holy 
Eucharist. Penance, Extreme Unction, 
Order, and Matrimony. 

I believe more especially that he is really 
and truly present in the most blessed 
Sacrament of the altar and changes, in every 
holy Mass, through the priest, bread into 
his body and wine into his blood. 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 251 

I believe that Jesus Christ, after he had 
accomplished the redemption of mankind, 
ascended into heaven ; sitteth at the right 
hand of Grod the Father, and shall come 
again to judge the living and the dead. 

I believe that at his coming all men must 
rise again with their bodies, and must give 
an account of their works ; and they that 
have done good, shall go into life ever- 
lasting; and they that have done evil, into 
everlasting fire. 

All this I believe most firmly, and desire 
to believe it unto the end of my life, and to 
live and die in this faith. 

Ibope ant> Zvmt in (Bob. 

(From the Psalms.) 

0 G-od, Father, Son, and Holy Grhost! 
all that the holy Catholic faith teaches of 
thee, fills my heart with unbounded con- 
fidence. 

Thou art the good G-od, the merciful Grod ; 
it is thy property always to have mercy 
and to spare. 

Thou wiliest not the death of the sinner, 
but that he be converted and live. 

With thee there is salvation and blessing; 
thou art strong and patient. 



252 



TKINITY SUNDAY. 



Thou art the Lord who heareth the desire 
of the poor, and the prayer of the humble. 

In thee our fathers have hoped; they 
have hoped and thou hast delivered them. 

They cried to thee, and they were saved ; 
they trusted in thee , and were not confounded . 

Thy mercies, O Grod! are from the be- 
ginning of the world ; I have them always 
before my eyes. 

Father and mother have left me, but 
thou, O Lord! hast taken me up. 

The Lord is my helper and protector ; in 
him hath my heart confided, and I have 
been helped. 

The Lord is the strength of his people ; 
and the protector of the salvation of his 
annointed. 

The Lord gives strength to his people; 
the Lord blesses his people with peace. 

O Lord, my Grod! I have cried to thee, 
and thou hast healed me. 

Thou, O Lord! hast brought forth my 
soul from hell, thou hast saved me from 
them that go down into the pit. 

Thou hast turned for me my mourning 
into joy; thou hast cut my sack-cloth, and 
hast compassed me with gladness. 

Thou hast regarded my humility; thou 
hast saved my soul out of distress. 

Thou hast not shut me up in the hands 



THE HOLY TKINITY. 



253 



of the enemy ; thou hast set my feet in a 
spacious place. 

I have put my trust in thee, 0 Lord! I 
said: Thou art my God, and thou hast 
heard me. 

Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them 
that fear him: and on them that hope in 
his mercy. 

To deliver their souls from death: and 
feed them in famine. 

Therefore, our soul waiteth for the Lord, 
for he is our'helper and protector. 

0 magnify the Lord with me : and let us 
extol his name together. 

1 sought the Lord, and he heard me; 
and he delivered me from all my troubles. 

Come ye to him and be enlightened, and 
your face shall not be confounded. 

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard 
him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 

The Angel of the Lord shall encamp 
round about them that fear him : and shall 
deliver him. 

O taste and see that the Lord is sweet : 
blessed is the man that hopeth in him. 

Fear the Lord all ye Saints; for there is 
no want to them that fear him. 

The rich have wanted and have suffered 
hunger ; but they that seek the Lord shall 
not be deprived of any good, 



254 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



The just cried, and the Lord heard them; 
and delivered them out of all their troubles. 

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a 
contrite heart ; and he will save the humble 
of spirit. 

Many are the afflictions of the just ; but 
out of them all, will the Lord deliver them. 

The Lord keepeth their bones: not one 
of them shall be broken. 

The Lord will redeem the souls of his 
servants: and none of them that trust in 
him shall offend. 

Men and beasts thou hast preserved, 0 
Lord! oh how thou hast multiplied thy 
mercy, O Grod! 

"With thee is the fountain of life ; and in 
thy light we shall see the light. 

Trust in the Lord and do good; delight 
in the Lord, and he will give thee the 
requests of thy heart . 

Commit thy way to the Lord and trust 
in him; and he will do it. 

Expect the Lord and keep his way ; and 
he will exalt thee to inherit the land. 

%ovc of (Sob, 

O Lord! who am I that thou hast so 
loved me, and that thou shouldst so much 
desire to be loved by me! 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



255 



0 my (lod! worthy of infinite love, I love 
thee, or rather I should say, I love thee not. 

1 love thee above all things \ nevertheless, 
I see that I love thee yet too little. 

O Grod the Father, King of heaven ! make 
thyself also king of my heart, possess me 
entirely. 

0 God the Son, Jesus in the blessed 
Sacrament ! fountain of all love ! make me 
love thee above all things. 

0 Grod the Holy GKhost ! author of holy 
love! fill my heart with thy divine love. 

1 leave all and turn to thee, O Lord! I 
embrace thee; I press thee to my soul; I 
love thee; despise me not. 

0 Grod! O Grod! whom shall I love, if I 
love not thee, my life, my love, my all? 

" Chosen amongst thousands. * ; My Grod, 
thee only, thee alone, do I choose for my love. 

O Grod, not known! O Grod, not loved! 
He that loves thee not, is a fool. 

Lord! after having given me so many 
graces, permit me not to betray thee anew. 
Rather let me die. 

Thou hast borne with me, that I might 
love thee. Yes, I will love thee. 

O Grod ! how many graces did I lose when 
I loved thee not! I consecrate to thee, at 
least, the remainder of my life. 

What are riches f What are honors? What 



256 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



are pleasures? Grod, Grod alone is worthy 
of my heart and my love. 

0 Grod, 0 king of hearts! reign in my 
heart. Draw me wholly to thee. 

Bind me, 0 Grod! to thee in such a way, 
that I shall never be able to loose myself 
from thee. 

My Grod! when shall I be able to say: 
"I cannot love thee more?" 

When shall I see thee face to face as thou 
art, and love thee, with all my strength, for 
all eternity? 

My Grod ! I earnestly desire to love thee 
exceedingly in this life, that I may love 
thee exceedingly in the next. 

1 seek not thy consolations j I desire only 
to please thee, my Grod, my Love, my All! 

It will be for thy glory, O most holy 
Trinity ! to make one who was thine enemy, 
become thy loving servant. 

Thou didst seek me, my Grod! while I 
was yet fleeing from thee; thou wilt not 
reject me now that I seek thee. 

Heavenly Father! thou hast given me 
thy Son. I, a miserable creature, give my- 
self to thee ; accept me for his sake. 

O Jesus, Son of Grod! thou who dost love 
me so much as to become my food in holy 
communion, and for my sake to take up thy 
abode in the tabernacle ; oh let me love thee ! 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



25? 



O most holy Trinity, Father, Son, and 
Holy Grhost! O my Gk>d! I esteem thee 
above all things ; I give myself entirely to 
thee; graciously accept my poor offering, 
and increase in me thy divine love. 

Zbe Zc Beum Xaufcamus, 

We praise thee, 0 Gk>d! we acknowledge 
thee to be the Lord. 

All the earth doth worship thee: the 
Father everlasting. 

To thee all Angels cry aloud : the heavens 
and all the powers therein. 

To thee Cherubim and Seraphim contin- 
ually do. cry forth: 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Gk>d of Sabaoth ! 

Heaven and earth are full of the majesty 
of thy glory. 

The glorious choir of the Apostles praise 
thee. 

The admirable company of the Prophets 
praise thee. 

The white-robed army of Martyrs praise 
thee. 

The holy Church throughout all the world 
doth acknowledge thee. 

The Father of an infinite majesty. 
The adorable true and only Son. 
Also the Holy Grhost, the Comforter. 



258 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



Thou art the King of glory, 0 Christ! 
Thou art the everlasting Son of the 
Father. 

When thou tookest upon thee to deliver 
man, thou didst not abhor the Virgin \s 
womb. 

When thou hadst overcome the sting of 
death, thou didst open the kingdom of 
heaven to all believers. 

Thou sittest at the right hand of Grod, in 
the glory of the Father. 

We believe that thou shalt come to be 
our Judge. 

• We pray thee, therefore, help thy servants, 
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious 
blood. 

Make them to be numbered with thy 
Saints, in glory everlasting. 

O Lord ! save thy people, and bless thine 
inheritance. 

Govern them, and lift them up for ever. 

Day by day we magnify thee. 

And we praise thy name forever: yea, 
for ever and ever. 

Vouchsafe, 0 Lord! this day to keep us 
without sin. 

O Lord! have mercy upon us, have mercy 
upon us. 

O Lord ! let thy mercy be showed upon 
us, as we have hoped in thee. 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



259 



0 Lord! in thee have I hoped; let me 
not be confounded for ever. 

f . Let us bless the Father, and the Son, 
with the Holy Grhost. 

fy. Let us praise and exalt him above all 
for ever. Amen. 

LET US PRAY. 

Almighty and everlasting Grod! who in 
thy infinite mercy didst call us to thy true 
Church, in which we, by faith, acknowledge 
and humbly adore the great and ineffable 
mystery of the most holy Trinity ; grant us 
thy powerful grace, to lead a life of true piety 
and to persevere in thy holy love and service 
to the end, that we may, after this mortal 
life, be admitted to the blissful contemplation 
and eternal adoration of the most blessed 
Trinity, through Jesus Christ, thy Son, 
who liveth and reigneth with thee, in unity 
with the Holy Ghost, Grod for ever and 
ever. Amen. 

O God! by whose command is swayed 
This ordered world which thou hast made ; 
Parent of heavenly clemency ! 
In nature One, in persons Three. 



260 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



Assist us whilst our minds we raise, 
Inflamed with thy immortal praise ; 
That, by our sober thoughts, we may 
Forever our thanksgiving pay. 

May age to age thy wonders tell, 
Eternal praise thy works reveal, 
And sing with the celestial host, 
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 



Xitan^ of tbe Bleseefc £rinit^ 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven, *) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Grhost, 

Holy Trinity one Gk>d, 

God, one in nature, 

God, threefold in person, 

Holy and all-powerful God, 

Holy, holy, immortal God, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



261 



God, who by thy almighty word didst create 

all things, *) 
God, who marvelously dost sustain all 

things, 

God, who disposest everything for our best, 
God, whom the heaven of heavens cannot 
contain, 

God, from whom, through whom, and in 

whom are all things, 
God, in whom we live, and move, and are, 
God, who is, was, and shall be for all 

eternity, 
God, most high, 
God, incomprehensible wisdom, 
God, unspeakable love, 
God, whose mercy excells all thy works, 
God, whose justice is holy and tremendous 

in its judgments, 
God, whose providence is infallible in its 

incomprehensible arrangements, 
God, most faithful in all thy promises, 
Be merciful. 

Spare us, O blessed Trinity! 
Be merciful. 

Graciously hear us, O blessed Trinity! 
From heresy and unbelief, **) 
From all diffidence and despair, 



*) Have mercy on us. 

**) O blessed Trinity ! deliver us. 



262 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



From all transgressions of thy holy com- 
mandments, *) 
From the concupiscence of the eyes, 
From the concupiscence of the flesh, 
From the pride of life, 
From all abuse of thy grace and benefits, 
From a sudden and unprovided death, 
From eternal damnation and deprivation of 

thy blessed contemplation, 
We poor sinners, **) 

That we may know thee, the only true Grod, 
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent, 

That we may submit our understanding to 
all the articles of our holy faith, 

That we may, in every temptation and trib- 
ulation, remember thy love and mercy, 

That we may in joy and sorrow have a true 
love for thee, 

That we may through an humble and con- 
trite heart, which thou never despisest, 
bring forth worthy fruits of penance, 

That we may, in life and death, unite our 
will with thy most holy will, 

That, at the hour of death, we may be 
strengthened by the heavenly Viaticum, 

That we may breathe forth our souls, in 
the arms of thy divine love, 



*) O blessed Trinity ! deliver us. 
**) We beseech thee, to hear us. 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



263 



That we may in thy holy name depart from 
this world, and be admitted to the 
espousals of the divine Lamb, *) 

0 blessed Trinity, our God and most high 
and amiable Good, 

Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 
the world, 

Spare us, O holy Trinity! 

Lamb of God! etc. 

Graciously hear us, 0 holy Trinity! 

Lamb of God! etc. 

Have mercy on us, 0 holy Trinity! 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

°fti Blessed art thou, 0 Lord, God of our 

fathers ! 

1^. And worthy to be praised and exalted 
for ever. 

y. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, 
with the Holy Ghost. 

Iy. Let us bless and magnify him. 

~ft . Lord! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my supplication come unto 
thee. 

LET US PRAY. 

Almighty, everlasting God! who didst 
deign to grant to thy servants, to acknowl- 



*) We beseech thee, to hear us. 



264 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



edge in the profession of the true faith, the 
glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the 
power of majesty to adore the Unity ; grant, 
we beseech thee, that by steadfastness in 
this faith, we may ever be defended from 
all adversities, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Conclusion* 

0 most blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and 
Holy Grhost! I close this hour of adoration, 
by renewing my praises of thy glory and 
majesty. 

1 thank thee for all the graces and bene- 
fits, which thou hast bestowed upon me 
during my whole life. 

I again devote my life to thy holy service, 
and consecrate my heart and my soul anew 
to thy divine love. 

O Heavenly Father ! this is the true life — 
to know thee. 

Grant us then, that we may, by a true 
knowledge of the mysteries of our holy 
religion, come to the possession of that 
happy life. 

O Jesus Christ ! who in the blessed Sacra- 
ment art always adoring thy heavenly 
Father, assist also me, that I may ever 
praise him by my words and actions. 



THE HOLY TRINITY. 



265 



And thou, O Holy Ghost! give me the 
grace of final perseverance in thy holy 
service, and grant, that having served thee 
faithfully on earth, I may be found worthy 
to praise thee eternally in heaven. 

My last prayer is to thee, 0 Grod-Man of 
our altars: 

Praised and adored be without end : 

Jesus, our Lord, in the blessed Sacrament ! 

My Grod! I love thee, not because 
I hope for heaven thereby ; 
Nor because they, who love thee not, 
Must burn eternally. 

Thou, 0 my Jesus! thou didst me, 
Upon the cross, embrace, 
For me didst bear the nails and spear 
And manifold disgrace. 

And griefs and torments numberless, 
And sweat of agony ; 
Even death itself, and all for me 
Who was thine enemy. 

Then why, 0 blessed Jesus Christ ! 
Should I not love thee well? 
Not for the sake of winning heaven, 
Nor of escaping hell. 



266 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 



Not with the hope of gaining aught ; 

Not seeking a reward : 

But as thyself hast loved me, 

0 ever-loving Lord! 

Even so I love thee and will love, 
And in thy praise will sing ; 
Solely because thou art my G-od, 
And my eternal King. 

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph, 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
3^. And let my cry come unto thee. 
y. Let us bless the Lord 
^. Thanks be to G-od. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
ty. Amen. 



Corpus Cbrtsti- 

Zbe Unatttutton, IRature ant> lEffects 
of tbe flDost 1fool2 Sacramento 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
Iy. And my month shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. 0 Grod! incline unto my aid. 
ty. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
G-lory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

liberation. 

Come, let us humbly adore the most holy 
Sacrament of the Altar. 
Let us adore Jesus Christ who, in the 
Sacrament of Love, continues his life upon 
earth. 

Come, let us praise and thank him for his 
ineffable love towards us poor sinners. 

Let us joyfully approach the throne of 
his mercy, and offer him our hearts and 
our love. 

0 Jesus! in the most blessed Sacrament, 
(267) 



268 



CORPUS CHEISTI. 



thou rulest over all nations, and dost com- 
municate thy grace to all people. 

Look, then, mercifully down also upon me 
and graciously receive my feeble homage. 

To thee be perpetual adoration, praise, 
honor, love and thanksgiving! 

But as I cannot praise thee as I desire, I 
unite myself during this hour with all the 
heavenly Spirits, and with them say most 
humbly i 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Grod of Hosts! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparattom 

O Jesus ! 0 my Grod in the tabernacle ! 
my heart is filled with sorrow when I call 
to mind my ingratitude, coldness, and 
tepidity in thy holy service. 

Numberless are the sins which I have 
committed before thy very eyes and in thy 
holy presence. 

Thousands of times, did I forget that I 
was so near thee who art ever mindful of 
me ; — my body was before thy tabernacle, 
but my heart was far from thee. 

And where are the millions of thy re- 
deemed children that ought to adore Thee 
in this most holy mystery J 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 269 

Many do not believe in thee, and seldom, 
or never approach thy dwelling. Their 
minds and their hearts are for this world, 
and not for thee, O Lord of our altars ! 

All this fills my heart with bitterness. I 
grieve, O Lord! for my own sins and the 
sins of the whole world, committed against 
thy august person in the Sacrament of Love. 

O Jesus! forgive us, and accept this hour 
of adoration in atonement for all the out- 
rages and insults which thou dost suffer in 
this most holy mystery. 

O ye Angels of the Lord! supply, through 
your praises and benedictions, what we poor 
sinners fail to do, and sing to him, for us, 
your incessant : 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! 

Praised and adored be without end: 

Jesus, our Lord in the most holy Sacra- 
ment ! 

Sing, 0 my tongue, adore and praise 
The depths of Grod's mysterious ways. 
How Christ, the world's great king, bestowed 
His flesh concealed in human food ; 
And left mankind the blood that paid 
The ransom for the souls he made. 



270 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



Griven from above, and born for man 
From Virgin chaste, his life began: 
He lived on earth and preached to sow 
The seeds of heavenly love below ; 
Then seal'd his mission from above 
With strange effects of power and love. 

? Twas on that evening when the last 
And most mysterious supper past ; 
When Christ with his disciples sat, 
To close the Law with legal meat ; 
Then to the twelve himself bestowed, 
With his own hands, to be their food. 

The Word made flesh for love of man. 
His word turns bread to flesh again, 
And wine to blood as seen by sense, 
By virtue of Omnipotence ; 
And here the faithful rest secure, 
Whilst Gi-od can vouch and faith insure. 

To this mysterious table now 

Our knees, our hearts, and sense we bow; 

Let ancient rites resign their place 

To nobler elements of grace ; 

And faith for all defects supply, 

Whilst sense is lost in mystery. 

To Ood the Father, born of none, 
To Christ his co-eternal Son, 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 27] 

And Holy Grhost whose equal rays 
From both proceed, be equal praise: 
One honor, jubilation and fame, 
Forever bless his glorious name. 

from tbe Writings of £t ftbomas* 

Let our praises resound from our inmost 
heart; let old things give way; let all be 
new; both, hearts, and words and works. 

We are celebrating that night's last 
supper, when, as faith tells us, Christ gave 
his brethren the lamb and unleavened 
bread, as the law, given to the ancient 
fathers, prescribed. 

After giving them the figurative lamb, 
and when the repast was over, we confess 
with faith that our Lord, with his own 
hands, gave his body to his disciples, and 
so gave it that the entire was given to all, 
and the entire to each. 

They were frail, and he gave them his 
body as food; they were sad, and he gave 
them his blood for their drink. 

He gave them his flesh and his blood 
under the twofold species, that he might 
thus feed man, who is of a twofold nature. 

He was born, and became our companion ; 
he eat with us, and became our food; he 
died, and became our ransom; he reigns, 
and is our reward. 



272 CORPUS CHBISTI. 

The bread of Angels becomes the bread 
of man ; the bread of heaven puts an end 
to the types. 

0 wonderful thing! He that is poor, and 
servant and lowly, eateth the Lord! 

O saving Host! Thou openest heaven's 
gate! We are pressed by wars and foes: 0 
give us strength and aid ! 

O precious and wonderful banquet . health- 
giving, and replete with eveiy sweetness! 

What can possibly be more precious than 
this banquet ? wherein not the flesh of calves 
and goats, as heretofore in the Law. but 
Christ, very God, is put before us that we 
may take him. 

Where is there a nation so great, that 
hath gods so nigh them, as our Grod is 
present with us? 

Let, then, our praise be full: let it be 
sweet: let our souls' Jubilee be joyous: let 
it be beautiful. 

Praise thy Saviour, O Sion! praise thy 
guide and shepherd, in hymns and canticles. 

As much as thou hast power, so also dare : 
for he is above all praise: nor canst thou 
praise him enough. 

Lo! the bread of Angels is made the food 
of pilgrims ! 

He is received by one. he is received by 



NATITEE OF THE BLESSED SACKAMENT. 273 

thousands ; the one receives as much as all ; 
nor is he consumed who is received. 

The good receive, the bad receive, but 
with the difference of life and death. 

It is death to the bad; it is life to the 
good: how unlike is the effect! 

What thou understandest not ; what thou 
seest not, that let a generous faith confirm 
thee in, beyond nature's course. 

Under the different species — which are 
signs, not things — there hidden lie things 
of infinite worth. 

The flesh is food, the blood is drink, yet 
Christ is whole under each species. 

He is not eaten by the receiver, nor 
broken, nor divided; he is taken whole. 

Of the substance that is there, there is no 
division; it is but the sign that is broken, 
and he who is signified is not thereby 
diminished. 

O good shepherd, true bread, J esus ! have 
mercy upon us: feed us, defend us, give us 
to see good things in the land of the living. 

O thou, who knowest and canst do all 
things, who feedest us mortals here below, 
make us to be thy companions in the banquet 
under above, and thy joint-heirs, and fellow- 
citizens with the Saints. 

For thou hast said: If a man shall eat of 
this bread, he shall live forever. 



274 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



This is the bread of life. The fathers did 
eat manna in the desert, and are dead. 
This is the bread coming down from heaven, 
that if any man eat thereof, he may not die. 

Thy flesh, OLord! is meat indeed; thy 
blood is drink indeed. 

He that eateth thy flesh, and drinketh 
thy blood abideth in thee, and thou in him. 

Thy bread, O Christ ! is fat, and it yields 
dainties to kings. 

Thou didst feed us with the fat of wheat, 
and art filling us with the honey out of the 
rock. 

O sacred banquet! wherein Christ is 
received ; the memorial of his passion cele- 
brated ; the mind filled with grace ; and a 
pledge of future glory is given unto us. 

O God! who under the wonderful Sacra- 
ment has left us a memorial of thy passion: 
grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate 
the sacred mysteries of thy body and blood 
that, in our souls, we may always feel the 
fruit of thy redemption. 

(Soft's presence in tbe JSlesseft 
Sacrament. 

O most dear Jesus! I believe with the 
whole Catholic Church that thou art the 
true God ? the Son of the living God. 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 275 

Thou art born of the Father before all 
ages, G-od of Grod; light of light; begotten, 
not created ; of the same substance of the 
Father, by whom all things were made. 

Thou, O Jesus! didst come down from 
heaven ; hast assumed flesh \ clothed thyself 
with our human nature j and united it with 
the divine nature in one person. 

Thirty-three years didst thou spend with 
us as the Word made flesh . 

When, then, the malice of men was about 
to banish thee from the land of the living, 
thou, in thy wisdom and charity, didst 
institute the most holy Sacrament of the 
Altar, wherein thou wishest to remain with 
mankind until the end of time. 

On the eve of thy bitter passion, thou 
didst take bread into thy sacred and vener- 
able hands, saying: "Take ye, and eat, 
this is my body/ 7 

In like manner didst thou take up the 
chalice, saying: "Drink ye all of this, for 
this is my blood which shall be shed for 
you and for many unto the remission of sins. 
Do this for a commemoration of me." 

As often, therefore, as the priest, in the 
holy sacrifice of Mass, pronounces these 
words over bread and wine, thou art present 
under the appearance of bread and wine, 
with thy flesh and blood, body and soul, 



276 



CORPUS GHRISTI. 



divinity and humanity, and dost remain 
there as long as the appearances last. 

Thou, who hast created heaven and earth, 
art here present. 

Thou, who didst speak from Mount Sinai: 
"I am the Lord thy Grod/ ; art here present. 

Thou, who wast born for us in a stable at 
Bethlehem, and to whom the Angels sang: 
"Glory be to God on high/ 7 art here. 

Thou, who didst deliver thy life for us on 
Mount Calvary, thou art here. 

Thou, who didst rise gloriously from the 
dead, and didst ascend triumphantly into 
heaven, thou art here. 

Thou, who sittest in eternal glory, at the 
right hand of the Father, thou art present. 

Saint Theresa assures us of this when, 
after her death, having appeared to one of 
her religious, she said: "You on earth, and 
we in heaven have the same Jesus : we see 
him in his glory, and you have him under 
the veil of the Sacrament. ?? 

I, therefore, most humbly adore thee, 0 
Jesus in the blessed Sacrament! as my 
Creator, by whom all things were made, 
which were made. 

I adore thee as the supreme Law-Giver, 
whose will I shall obey in all things. 

I adore thee as my divine Saviour, born, 
suffering, and dying for my salvation. 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACEAMENT. 277 

I adore thee as Conqueror of death and 
hell, who now thronest with thy Father in 
heaven, as our intercessor and mediator. 

I adore thee most humbly as my Lord 
and Grod, and in union with the Angels and 
Saints most fervently say: 

Praised and adored be without end: 

Jesus, our Lord, in the blessed Sacrament ! 

Zhe Meeseb Sacrament a (Breat 
fllMracle* 

O Lord ! when kneeling before thy most 
holy Sacrament, I must exclaim with the 
Psalmist: how wonderful is thy name 
throughout the world! 

A miracle, yea a great miracle didst thou 
perform for our salvation. 
, Thou becamest man, and as God-Man be- 
earnest our nourishment. What a prodigy! 

Thou, the Son of Grod, true Grod with the 
Father, becamest man, and yet didst not 
cease to be Grod. 

Thou didst clothe thyself with flesh and 
blood out of the body of the Virgin, thou 
who for all eternity hadst been clothed with 
divine glory. 

Thou, who for all eternity hadst a father 

without a mother, didst assume, on earth, 

a mother without a father. 
10 



278 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



Thou, who didst create all things, becomest 
a creature thyself. 

The earth has seen what it never before 
beheld : a child is the father of its mother ; 
the child has a mother who, at the same 
time, is a virgin. 

Wonderful humility! Thou, who didst 
clothe the fields and forests with herbs, 
blossoms, trees and fruits, earnest bare and 
naked upon this earth. 

These are miracles — miracles wrought 
for my salvation. 

But these are only the beginning of 
wonders; I am to see still greater. 

Thou wast sacrificed on the cross, and 
yet remainest with us till to the end of time. 

Thou who becamest man, by the word of 
thy almighty power, changest bread and 
wine into thy own sacred body and blood, 
and givest thyself to thy disciples as food. 

The substance of bread is changed into 
the substance of thy body; thy body is 
present under the form of bread without 
being bread; it appears to be dead, and is, 
nevertheless, truly alive; it is connected 
with thy soul, and united to thy divinity. 

Thou art really and truly present under 
the form of bread in all places on earth 
where the blessed Sacrament is present. 

Thou comest to me in holy Communion, 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 279 

and unitest thyself most intimately with 
me, so that I can say: I abide in thee, and 
thou, O Jesus! in me. What a stupendous 
miracle ! 

But to thee, 0 Lord! nothing is impos- 
sible, nothing difficult. 

Thou, who in the garden of paradise 
didst change dust into the body of Adam ; 
who, at the wedding-feast, didst change 
water into wine; who daily changest our 
nourishment into flesh and blood, and, 
every year, changest thousands of things in 
nature, thou canst also change bread and 
wine into thy adorable body and blood. 

But the miracle of all miracles is, that 
thou, O Jesus! shouldst love man so much 
as to effect such a miracle. 

0 the depths of thy wisdom, and abyss 
of thy love and mercy! who hath known 
thy ways, or who hath been thy counsellor? 

Thou remainest with us, dwellest with us 
and amongst us, day and night. 

Thou even commandest us under pain of 
condemnation to receive thy sacred body, 
for thou speakest thus: u Unless you eat of 
the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his 
blood, you shall not have life in you." 

Thou promisest us, in this wonderful 
Sacrament, immortality and everlasting 
life: "He that eats of my flesh and drinks 



280 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



of my blood, abides in me and I in him. 
and I will raise him up on the last day. " 

Therefore. I come to thee, 0 Jesus! 0 
Eucharistic God! amazed at such a miracle, 
believing thy word, the word of eternal 
truth, and I adore thee as God and man in 
the most blessed Sacrament. 

£be $les^ Sacrament ©ur HIL 

0 my good God! the thought of all thy 
holy Sacrament is to us. ought to make my 
heart overflow with love and gratitude for 
thy unspeakable goodness. 

There I find thee, the true Lamb of God, 
that was offered in propitiation for our sins. 

Thy blood did truly deliver us from Satan : 
in thy blood our sins were washed away; 
thou art the lamb who did not open his 
mouth, when led to the slaughter, that 
knew of no complaint when insulted and 
abused. 

0 good Jesus! thou art still with us in 
the blessed Sacrament, and art daily sacri- 
ficed upon our altars; even now thou art 
the lamb that is offered for our sins: the 
lamb that bears in silence all the affronts 
which sinful men offer thee. 

But thou art more than the lamb. Thou 
art the shepherd himself, the good shepherd 
that has given his life for his sheep. 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 281 

Thou hast come from heaven; hast left 
the ninety nine sheep and the holy angels 
there, and hast descended upon earth in 
order to save the one lost sheep — mankind. 

Thou hast guided us into the fold of thy 
holy Church ; thou hast given us priests to 
be our guides, and angels as invisible pro- 
tectors; thou hast quenched our thirst in 
the fountains of grace, the Sacraments; — 
and who can understand it? — hast given 
us thy own blood for our food and nourish- 
ment ! 

Other shepherds clothe themselves with 
the wool of their sheep, and nourish them- 
selves with the milk and flesh of their flock ; 
but thou, O good Shepherd! clothest us 
with the robe of sanctifying grace, woven 
out of thy merits; nourishest us with the 
milk of thy doctrine; quickenest us with 
thy flesh, and quenehest our thirst with thy. 
own blood. 

And when we are sick, who, save thou, 0 
Jesus in the adorable Sacrament! heals us? 

Thou art the physician who heals every 
sickness, and cures every disease. 

During thy earthly life, thou -didst cure 
all kinds of persons ; hast restored sight to 
the blind, hearing to the deaf, and speech 
to the dumb. 

Thou hast received sinners, and hast 



282 



CORPUS CHRIST!. 



cured them ; thou hast opened the eyes of 
the spiritually blind, and the ears of the 
spiritually deaf. 

Thou art yet doing the same in thy most 
holy Sacrament. In it I find the antidote 
against all my passions; enlightenment, 
courage, fortitude and strength to avoid 
evil and do good. Through it sanctifying 
grace is increased, venial sin forgiven, and 
mortal sin prevented. 

The blessed Sacrament unites me most 
closely to thee > O my Grod! and if thou art 
with me, who can be against me? who can 
injure me? 

Thou, O Jesus in the blessed Sacrament ! 
art also our greatest consolation in the 
sorrows of this life. 

Like an exile in the enemy's country, I 
am far away from my heavenly home ; my 
days here are short and bitter ; full of pain 
and tribulation. 

Sullied with many sins; surrounded by 
many passions, annoyed by many fears, 
racked with many cares, pressed by many 
temptations, I wander about lonely and 
abandoned. 

In these trials, 0 Jesus! I hear thy 
inviting voice, saying to me from the taber- 
nacle: "Conie all to me who are burdened 
and heavy ladden, and I will refresh you." 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 283 

Thou knowest and understandest my 
wants and miseries ; thou stretchest out thy 
strong arm to protect me ; thou drawest me 
to thy holy dwelling, and to thy most loving 
heart. Should I not, therefore, feel con- 
soled in thy divine presence? 

Truly, 0 Jesus! I find all, in the most 
holy Sacrament, for there I find thee, and 
in thee all: the teacher that teaches us the 
way to heaven ; the light that shines in the 
darkness ; the merciful Samaritan who heals 
all our wounds; the good shepherd that 
goes in search of the lost sheep and carries 
it on his shoulders to the fold ; the living 
bread which came down from heaven and 
gives life to the wwld ; our greatest bene- 
factor; our most precious treasure; our 
only comfort ; the spouse of our souls ; our 
king; our Grod. 

Thy most holy Sacrament, 0 Jesus! shall, 
therefore, be my refuge in all my troubles; 
to thy holy altar I will come in all my 
temptations; there I shall ever remain, at 
least in thoughts and desires; that after 
having been united to thee here on earth, in 
the Sacrament of Love, I may be found 
worthy of thy eternal company in heaven. 



284 



CORPUS CHBISTI. 



Humbly I adore thee, hidden deity, 
Who beneath these symbols art concealed 
from me ; 

Wholly in submission thee my spirit hails, 
For in contemplating thee it wholly fails. 

Seeing, touching, tasting, all are here 
deceived, 

But by hearing only, safely 'tis believed: 
I believe whatever Grod's own Son averred: 
Nothing can be truer, than Truth's very 
word. 

On the cross, thy Grod-head only was con- 
cealed, 

Here not even thy manhood is to sight 
revealed ; 

But in both believing and confessing, Lord! 
Ask I what the dying thief of thee implored. 

I do not, like Thomas, see thy wounds 
appear, 

But with him confess, my Lord and Grod is 
here. 

Grant this faith may ever more in me in- 
crease, 

And my hope in thee, and love may never 
cease. 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 285 

O thrice blest memorial of my dying Lord, 
This true bread of life doth life to man 
afford ; 

Grant, O Lord! my soul may ever feed on 
thee, 

And thy taste of all things to it sweetest be. 

Victim for thy people, Jesus, Lord and God ! 
Cleanse me, wretched sinner, in thy precious 
blood — 

Blood whereof one drop for human kind 
outpoured 

Might from all transgressions have the 
world restored. 

Jesus! whom in this life veiled I do behold, 
Grant what my soul thirsts for with desire 
untold : 

Oh! may I, beholding thine unveiled grace, 
Rest in blissful vision of thine open face. 

Xitan^ of tbe flfroet Blessefc Sacra* 
merit 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 



286 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son, Eedeenier of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Living Bread from heaven, 

Hidden God and Saviour, 

Wheat of the elect, 

AVine "whose fruits are virgins, 

Perpetual sacrifice, 

Lamb without spot, 

Most pure feast, 

Food of Angels, 

Hidden Manna, 

Memorial of the wonders of God, 
Word, made flesh, dwelling in us, 
Sacred Host, 
Chalice of benediction, 
Mystery of faith, 

Most high and adorable Sacrament, 

Most holy of all sacrifices, 

Most wonderful of all miracles, 

Most holy commemoration of the passion 

of Christ, 
Gift transcending all fullness, 
Special memorial of divine love, 
Sweetest banquet at which Angels minister. 
Refreshment of holy souls, 
Viaticum of such as die in the Lord, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, 287 

Pledge of future glory,*) 
Be merciful. 
Spare us, 0 Lord! 
Be merciful. 

Graciously hear us, O Lord! 

From an unworthy reception of thy body 
and blood, t) 

From the concupiscence of the flesh, 

From the concupiscence of the eyes. 

From the pride of life, 

From every occasion of sin, 

Through that profound humility in which 
thou art present in this most holy Sacra- 
ment, 

Through that ardent charity whereby thou 
didst institute this holy Sacrament, 

Through thy precious blood which thou 
hast left us on our altars, 

We sinners,**) 

That thou wouldst increase our faith and 

devotion to this admirable Sacrament, 
That thou wouldst prepare us for a frequent 

reception of this holy Sacrament, 
That at the hour of our death thou wouldst 

strengthen us by this heavenly Viaticum, 
Lamb of Grod! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 

*) Have mercy on us. 

f) O Lord ! deliver us. 

**J We beseech thee, to hear us. 



288 



C0KPUS CHKISTI. 



Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord! 
Lamb of Gfod! etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 

y. Thou didst give them bread from 
heaven. 

Iy. Containing in itself all sweetness. 

LET US PRAY. 

0 G-od ! who in this wonderful Sacrament 
hast left us a memorial of thy passion: 
grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries 
of thy body and blood, that we may ever feel 
within us the blessed fruit of thy redemp- 
tion. "Who livest and reignest, God forever 
and ever. Amen. 

Conclusion, 

1 thank thee, 0 Jesus! that thou hast 
permitted me to visit thee, and rendered me 
worthy of being so near thee during this 
hour. 

Thou hast most graciously vouchsafed to 
listen to me, and hast spoken to my heart. 

Now, then, let me depart hence, strength- 
ened and fortified ; but do thou remain in 
my thoughts and my heart. 

May I henceforth live in such a manner, 



NATURE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 289 

that I can truly say: "I live, yet not I, but 
Christ lives in me." 

Let thy mysterious presence amongst us 
be ever before my eyes, and let all my 
actions be united to thine in the blessed 
Sacrament. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

Commemoration of the Messed Virgin and 
St. Joseph, if not within the Octave. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
Tfy. And let my cry come unto thee. 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
X^. Thanks be to God. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
fy. Amen. 



Xessons taught 

BY THE 

flfcost Blesseb Sacrament 

T. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips, 
ty. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

T. 0 G-od! incline unto my aid. 
R. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcoratton, 

Come, let us adore Jesus, our divine 
teacher, in the most blessed Sacrament. 

Let us humbly kneel before his tabernacle, 
and at his feet hear words of wisdom and 
instruction. 

Let us ask him to show us the way to 
salvation, and learn from his mouth the 
path of virtue. 

Let him be our teacher and guide; our 
model and example, and let his eucharistic 
life be the pattern of our lives. 

And that I may worthily spend this hour 
290 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHAEISTIC GOD. 291 

of adoration, come, ye heavenly Spirits! 
and unite your fervent sighs with my own 
humble prayers. 

With you, O holy Angels and Saints! I 
devoutly bow down before this adorable 
Sacrament, and cry out most fervently: 

O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Hosts! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation* 

O my Jesus! day and night thou art 
present on our altars, inviting all mankind 
to visit thee, saying: "Come ye all to me, 
and learn from me," 

But men have no time to heed thy loving 
invitation. 

They keep far from thee. They are their 
own teachers and guides, and as the blind 
are leading the blind, they all go astray 
and perish. 

O Jesus! have mercy on these blind 
people. I beg thee not to regard their in- 
gratitude, for they know not what they do. 



292 



CORPUS CHPJSTI. 



Do continue to call them, and to show 
them, from thy holy tabernacle, thy adorable 
countenance, that enraptured "with its divine 
beauty, they may draw near to thy sacred 
heart. 

To obtain for them and myself this grace, 
I now offer thee, 0 Jesus! Teacher of man- 
kind! my most humble prayers. 

Teach me how to pray, that this hour of 
adoration may be acceptable to thee. 

The "Word descending from above. 
Though with the Father still on high, 
Went forth upon his work of love, 
And soon to life's last eve drew nigh. 

He shortly to a death accursed 

By a disciple shall be given : 

But to his twelve disciples, first 

He gives himself, the bread of heaven. 

Himself in either kind he gave ; 
He gave his flesh, he gave his blood: 
Of flesh and blood all men ane made, 
And he of man would be the food. 

At birth, our brother he became; 
At board, himself as food he gives; 
To ransom us he died in shame ; 
As our reward, in bliss he lives. 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHAEISTIC GOD. 293 

0 saving Victim ! opening wide 
The gate of heaven to men below ; 
Our foes press on from every side ; 
Thine aid supply } thy strength bestow. 

To thy great name be endless praise , 
Immortal Grodhead, one in three ! 
Oh ! grant us endless length of days 
In our true native land with thee. 

3e0ue ©ur ZTeacber* 

"Master, we know that thou as teacher 
hast come from God! /,; — so spoke Nico- 
demus after he had witnessed but a few of 
thy miracles, and had heard some of thy 
instructions. 

But, O Lord! what far greater reasons 
have we to exclaim i Thou art truly a teacher 
sent by God! Thou art the Son of God; 
thy doctrine is, in truth, the word of God. 

How lovingly didst thou go about from 
place to place in Palestine, teaching the 
people, and pointing out to them the way 
to the kingdom of heaven. 

And that mankind might know the truth 
of the Gospel at all times, thou hast estab- 
lished thy holy Church, with infallible 
teaching authority. 

It was, however, thy desire to speak to 



294 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



the hearts of thy servants also in an unusual 
manner, and for that end thou art present 
in the most holy Sacrament. 

Thou callest thy faithful to thy holy 
tabernacle, and converses! with them in a 
mysterious Way: 

Not with the ears of the body do they 
hear thee; but they perceive thy voice in 
their inmost hearts. 

Jesus. Yes, my child! through this 
Sacrament I speak to thee. Does it not 
recall to thy memoiy all I have done for 
thy salvation! 

The Soul. My God, and my All! thou 
hast created me ; thou hast redeemed me ; 
thou hast sanctified me. 

Jesus. For my honor I have created 
thee. Out of nothing I have called thee 
into existence, that thou mightest serve me 
at all times, in all places, and "with all thy 
strength and faculties. That is the one 
thing necessary for thee to do; "thou art 
troubled about many things, but only one 
is necessary. " 

The Soul. I acknowledge, 0 my G-od! 
I have been created for thy service. Behold ! 
I offer and consecrate myself to thee whole 
and entire. I will often come to thee to sit at 
thy feet, and listen to thy words. " Speak, 
O Lord! for thy servant heareth." 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHARISTIC GOD. 295 

Jesus. It is indeed pleasing and agree- 
able to me that thou dost visit and converse 
with me. Know, however, that this alone 
is not sufficient. It is not enough to say: 
"Lord! Lord! Thou must also do my 
will.' 7 "He who has my commandments 
and keeps them, he it is who loves me, and 
I will love him in return, and my Father 
will love him, and we will come, and take 
up our abode with him." 

The Soul. Yes, Lord! I am ready to 
comply with thy holy will in all things. 
May it be praised and adored forever; for 
"thy yoke is sweet and thy burden is light." 

Jesus. It is very true that my yoke is 
sweet and my burden light, but remember 
that my service is not without trials and 
difficulties. "He who will be my disciple 
must deny himself, take up his cross, and 
follow me." "The kingdom of heaven 
suffers violence, and only those that use 
violence bear it away." 

The Soul. I daily experience, 0 Lord! 
how hard it is to deny one's self, to humble 
one's self, to crucify the flesh with all its 
concupiscences ; — and bowed down under 
the weight of this conflict, I sigh with the 
Apostle: "Who will deliver me from this 
body of death? I feel a law within my 



296 



CORPUS CHEISTI. 



members which combats against the law of 
God." 

Jesus. Art thou desirous to complain 
with the Apostle, then do thou, like the 
Apostle, take courage and have confidence; 
for having said to him "my grace is sufficient 
for thee," he soon confessed: "I can do all 
things in him who strengthens me." 

The Soul. O Lord! if thou be with me, 
who can injure me? Thy light will enlighten 
me; thy hand direct me; and thy cross 
protect me. 

Jesus. Whenever thou callest upon me, 
I will hear thee. Dost thou not know, that 
I have said: "Ask and you shall receive; 
seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall 
be opened unto you." 

The Soul. Truly, 0 Lord! thou hast 
spoken right to my heart. In thee alone 
will I place my confidence. Call me often 
to thy holy altar and converse with me from 
the tabernacle. 

Show me the way upon which I should 
walk ; encourage me when I become weak ; 
guard me when my enemies attack me; 
strengthen me with the bread of life, that 
on the strength of this food, I may strenu- 
ously walk to the mount of God, as did 
Elias of old. 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHAKISTIC GOD. 297 

But above all, give me the greatest of all 
graces — perseverance till the end, and when 
my dissolution approaches, do not let me 
depart until I am fortified with the heavenly 
Viaticum. 

3esu0 fIDofcel of IbumUtty, 

Thou, 0 Jesus! art the King of glory; 
the only begotten Son of the Father; true 
God from all eternity. 

Thou art the Word of which St. John 
says: "In the beginning was the Word, and 
the Word was with God ; and the Word was 
God; and this Word was made flesh and 
dwelt amongst us. ?? 

O astonishing humiliation! O incompre- 
hensible degradation ! which can be meas- 
ured only by him who can comprehend the 
infinite God. 

By the Incarnation, the Almighty made 
himself weak; the Infinite, little; the Im- 
mortal, mortal; and the immensely Rich 
has made himself poor. 

Thou, the Son of God! hast become a 
babe, a helpless child ; thou earnest to thy 
own, and thy own received thee not; thou 
hast taken up thy first abode in a stable. 

Thou, the splendor of the eternal Father, 
hast passed thirty years of thy life in seclu- 
sion. 



298 



CORPUS CHKISTI. 



Thou, 0 infinite Sanctity! didst place 
thyself in the rank of sinners. 

Thy own brethren seized thee, and num- 
bered thee among the evil-doers, and nailed 
thee to the cross. 

All that thou hast endured to atone for 
the pride of man — for my pride. 

But this was not enough for thee : i ; having 
loved thy own, thou didst love them till to 
the end. 7 ' 

Therefore it was thy wish to debase thyself 
still more ; yea even to rob thyself of thy 
human form, and hide thyself under the 
appearance of bread, to be consumed as 
food by thy children. 

In this most holy Sacrament, thou, the 
Life itself, appearest to be dead; thou, the 
Immense and Infinite, art closed up in the 
little Host; thou, the Almighty, seemest to 
have no strength whatever. 

Truly, in this most holy Sacrament the 
words of the Prophet: U I am a worm" are 
fulfilled. 

As a worm, godless men have trampled 
the sacred Host under foot; in their 
unworthy Communions, they have cast 
thee, like a nuisance, into the sewer of a 
heart filled with mortal sin. 

All this thou sufferest and bearest patiently 
— and why? 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHARISTIC GOD. 299 

"Behold," sayest thou, "I have come to 
do thy will. I have come to accomplish 
the eternal designs of my heavenly Father ; 
I have humbled myself tiil the end, to make 
atonement for the pride of men." 

How then, O Jesus! can I who am but 
dust and ashes; a miserable creature, a 
sinful wretch, puff myself up in my own 
opinion, as though I were something. 

How can I desire to be honored, since 
thou hast exposed thyself to all manner of 
insults? 

How can I wish to be preferred before 
others, since all my ability is in thee alone? 

Woe to me, for ever having exalted my- 
self! I will humble myself now, however, 
and be contemptible in my own eyes. 

Look down, 0 Lord! with an eye of mercy 
upon my lowliness, that I may not sink 
altogether. 

Thou hast said: "Come to me and learn 
of me, because I am humble of heart." 
Therefore, I come to thee with sorrow and 
compunction. 

Although I am not worthy to sit at thy 
table with thy children, let me, at least, 
enjoy the crumbs which fall from thy table. 

I would gladly eat of the bread of thy 
children ; with pleasure would I taste of the 



300 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



heavenly manna; but, 0 Lord! I am not 
worthy. 

Thou canst, however, make me worthy: 
"say but the word, and my soul shall be 
healed. " 

Thou didst call out to Zacheus: "Come 
down; I must enter into thy house." Let 
me, I beseech thee, also hear the same 
words. 

I have already descended from the fig-tree 
of pride, and am kneeling on the ground; 
say the word: "To-day, I will enter in with 
thee." 

Behold, my heart is open; enter in! I 
embrace thee in spirit and say: "To-day, 
salvation has reached my house." 

Jesus the fIDobel of ©betnence. 

Exceedingly wonderful it appears to me, 
0 Jesus! that thou submittest thyself, in 
this most holy Sacrament, entirely to the 
will of thy servants, the priests. 

At their word, thou descendest upon the 
altar; they take thee into their hands, and 
bring thee whithersoever they wish; they 
receive thee themselves, and give thee as 
food to the faithful j they even carry thee 
to the remotest huts of the sick and the 
dying, no matter how high the garret, or 
how low the basement. 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHARISTIC GOD. 301 

Can we perceive a more perfect obedience? 
Art thou not like a dead man, at the com- 
mand of thy ministers? 

Well can I admire thy obedience at Naza- 
reth : that thou wast obedient to Mary and 
Joseph; that thou -wast obedient to thy 
heavenly Father in drinking the chalice of 
suffering; but that thou, in the most holy 
Sacrament, art willing to render the most 
perfect obedience to sinful men, to thy 
priests, in all things: thou the Lord God 
and Judge of all mankind — this surpasses 
all the intellectual power of man. 

Should I, then, not also be obedient to 
thee? Should I not keep all thy command- 
ments most punctually? Should I not 
observe all the laws of thy holy Church 
willingly? Should I not render the most 
perfect, willing, prompt and humble obedi- 
ence to my lawful Superiors? 

Yea, Lord! be it so. I will obey thee. 
Not only thy commandments, and the direc- 
tions of my Superiors will I obey; but will 
also willingly submit to the dispositions of 
thy providence in all things, and lend a 
willing ear to thy holy inspirations. Only 
speak, O Lord! thy servant heareth. 



302 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



3eeu0 tbe flDobel of poverty. 

Thy holy Apostle, St. Paul, says of thee, 
O Jesus: "Being rich, he became poor for 
your sake's, that through his poverty you 
might become rich. " 

Thy first dwelling on earth was poor. 
Thou, the richest of princes, was born in an 
humble stable. 

Thou who wast vested with the glory of 
heaven, didst rob thyself of all ornaments, 
and wast dressed poorly; didst earn thy 
living by the work of thy hands ; didst live 
on alms, during thy missionary life ; didst 
have nothing of thy own, so that you couldst 
say: "The foxes have their dens and the 
birds of the air their nests ; but the Son of 
man has not whereupon to lay his head." 
On the cross wast thou deprived even of 
thy clothes ; in truth thou didst die, void of 
all things, and thy body rested in a strange 
grave. 

Thou becamest so poor, O my Lord ! to 
atone for our sins, and to teach us the virtue 
of poverty which was ignored and despised 
by the greater number of men. 

For this reason didst thou so earnestly 
exhort the rich to become poor: "Blessed 
are the poor in spirit." "Verily, I say unto 
you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHAKISTIC GOD. 303 

into heaven/ 7 Thou hast called riches 
thorns which choke the seed of the word of 
God. 

But thou hast done still greater things. 
Thou remainest in the most holy Sacrament 
of the Altar; closed up in the narrow limits 
of the tabernacle; under the disguise of 
bread, to give us a continual example of 
perfect poverty and entire renunciation. 

In the blessed Sacrament , thou art, for 
love of us, robbed of every comfort; left 
alone ; day and night abandoned by man ; 
in poor churches ; closed up in a little vessel. 

Since, then, thou, O Jesus! hast become 
so poor, for my sake, would it not be a 
shame for me to seek the riches of the world? 

Should I not banish from my heart all 
attachment to them? Should I not be truly 
poor in spirit? 

O how I am forced to blush that my 
heart is so much taken up with worldly 
things ; that I think so much about acquiring 
and gaining earthly and temporal goods; 
that I take more pains to amass transitory 
riches, than to gather treasures for heaven ! 

Now, however, I will renounce all; will 
never seek treasures u which rust and moth 
consume, and thieves dig through and 
steal; 77 will seek thy grace, O Lord! but 



304 



CORPUS CHKISTI. 



above all thyself, for thou art the greatest 
treasure. 

H I possess thee. I possess all: but I 
cannot possess thee, as long as other treas- 
ures are in my heart. "I cannot serve thee 
and mammon. 9 - 

For that reason, remove from me all 
attachments to earthly goods. Destroy, 
with the fire of thy divine love, whatsoever 
my heart contains, which is not for thee, 
that from this moment I can call thee my 
own: my Gk>d, and my All. 

3es\\e tbc HDoDel of flDeefcness, 

When I consider and ponder over thy 
words, 0 Jesus! "learn of me, because I am 
meek." then it appears to me that meekness 
is one of the most prominent features of 
thy heart, and that it. with loving force, 
draws all hearts to itself. 

"What meekness didst thou not exercise 
towards thy disciples! They were simple 
and uneducated men, and to associate with 
them was surely enough to exhaust patience. 
Thou didst willingly explain to them the 
doctrines they did not understand: and 
didst kindly and gently bring about peace, 
when they introduced quarrels and dissen- 
sions. 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHARISTIC GOD. 305 

Thy associations with the people were 
characterized by the same gentleness. Thou 
didst not become weary of clothing thy 
doctrine in different parables, in order to 
make them understood by the people; no 
one was excluded from thy love ; thou didst 
communicate thyself to the rich and poor, 
simple and learned. 

The Apostles deserted thee, and thou didst 
love them still; Peter denied thee, and thou 
didst behold him with an eye of kindness, 
without ever reproaching him for his infi- 
delity; even Judas who pressed the traitor's 
kiss to thy sacred lips, was styled by 
thee "friend;" and to the brutal servant 
before Annas, thou didst answer with all 
calmness, when he struck thee: "If I have 
spoken wrongfully, prove it." 

My most meek Jesus ! thou art still con- 
stantly with us in the most holy Sacrament, 
calling out to us from the tabernacle : "Learn 
of me, because I am meek and humble of 
heart." 

Thou still bearest with patience the indig- 
nant treatment of thy children ; — they are 
inattentive to thy word ; they occupy their 
minds with worldly thoughts, yea often 
entertain sinful desires in thy presence; 
they indulge in idle talk, laugh and play; 
they treat thee with contempt ; blaspheme 



306 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



and deny thee; they approach thy holy 
table as traitors, and all this thou bear est 
with patience and meekness. 

Thou dost not withdraw thy presence 
from our temples, and dost not send a curse 
upon the profaners thereof; we hear only 
the pitiful complaint; "My people, why do 
you act thus towards me? Friend! for what 
purpose hast thou come? "Why dost thou 
introduce the Son of man into thy guilty 
heart?" And, nevertheless, thou enterest 
such a heart. "Behold thy king comes to 
thee in meekness." 

0 my Jesus! thou hast all reasons to 
complain, but how meek is thy complaint! 
Thou art goodness and meekness itself 
towards every one. 

0 J esus ! How much I must learn of thee ! 
How thy meekness puts my quick and 
untimely excitemept, and the angry and 
haughty manner in which I approach others, 
to shame. 

Have, then, mercy on me, O my meek 
Grod and Saviour! and help me to imitate 
thy holy meekness. 

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make 
my heart like unto thine ! 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHARISTIC GOD. 6 

O Heart of Jesus, heart of God, 
O source of boundless love ! 
By Angels praised, by Saints adored, 
From their high throne above. 

The poorest, saddest heart on earth 
May claim thee for its own ; 
O burning, throbbing heart of Christ! 
Too late, too little known. 

The very sound of those sweet words : 
4 4 The sacred heart" can give 
To the most lone and burdened soul, 
Strength to endure and live. 

A mother may forget her child, 
A father prove untrue ; 
A brother, or a sister turn 
Unkind and thankless too. 

The hearts of men are often hard, 
And full of selfish care ; 
But in the sacred heart we find 
A refuge from despair. 

To thee, my Jesus! then I come, 
V poor and helpless child ; 
And on thy own words: "Come to me' 
My only hope I build. 



308 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



The world is cold and life is sad, 
I crave the blessed rest 
Of those who lay their weary heads 
Upon thy sacred breast. 

For love is stronger far than death, 
And who can lore like thee, 
My Saviour! whose appealing heart 
Broke on the cross for me? 

The purest, deepest, earthly love, 
"What is it, Lord! to thine! 
A single drop from a great fount, 
Eternal and divine. 

Conclusion* 

0 Jesus, my divine Teacher! I have 
learned much during this hour of adoration. 

Thou hast instructed me not only by the 
words of thy mouth, but also by thy holy 
example. 

Thou hast proposed to me for imitation 
thy holy earthly life, and thy continued 
Eucharistic life. 

1 return thee heartfelt thanks for thy 
salutary instructions, and humbly ask for 
thy grace, that I may be enabled to practice 
what I have learned, and imitate thy holy 
example. 

So often I have the happiness to be near 



LESSONS BY THE EUCHARISTIC GOD. 309 

thee; to assist at holy Mass, and even to 
receive thee into my heart. I beg of thee, 
let not these graces be received by me with- 
out impressing my mind, and inducing me 
to live also a holy life. 

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 
1^. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
Iy. Thanks be to God. 
y . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
Py. Amen. 




ii 



{praters anb Hcts tn Ibonor 

OF THE 

Blesaeb Sacrament. 

T, O Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise, 

y. O Grod! inehne unto my aid. 
R. 0 Lord! make haste to help me, 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

HDoration. 

(^OME, let us adore our Lord and Gk>d in 
the most blessed Sacrament. 

The Eternal, the Infinite, the Immense, 
the All-Powerful is present on our altars. 

Let us most humbly adore him. 

The Angels veil their faces in his pres- 
ence ; the Saints lay their crowns at his feet. 

Coine, let us unite with them, and adore 
him. 

Holy, holy, holy. Lord Grod of Hosts! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 
(310) 



PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 311 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

IReparation, 

0 Jesus, God of majesty! Almighty Lord 
of heaven and earth, and my most loving 
Saviour! 

With a lively faith and in deepest humility 
I approach thee, and prostrate myself before 
the tabernacle which is thy throne upon 
earth. 

1 adore thee from the bottom of my heart, 
and offer thee my most humble homage. 

But how dare I approach thee? Thou art 
the Omnipotent, and I am an abyss of 
weakness and nothingness. 

Thou art eternal Wisdom, and I am 
nothing but ignorance. 

Thou art infinite Goodness, and I am 
nothing but wickedness. 

Thou art my God, and I am thy creature. 
Thou art my Lord, and I am thy servant. 

Thou art my King, and I am thy subject ; 
thou art the author of all graces, and I am 
a poor wretch. 

Thou art sanctity itself, and I am a miser- 
able sinner. 



312 



CORPUS CHBISTI. 



Therefore I acknowledge that I am not 
worthy to kneel before thy holy altar. 

But I trust in thy goodness. I humbly 
pray for pardon and mercy, and ask that 
thou, O fountain of sanctity ! mayest cleanse 
and purify my sinful heart and lips. 

I also offer my prayers for the sins of the 
whole world, in the same intention in which 
thou, O Jesus! hast sacrificed thy life for 
them ; especially in satisfaction for the sins 
committed against thy most holy Sacra- 
ment ; at the time of holy Mass ; in receiving 
holy Communion j or in adoring this most 
sacred mystery. 

Blot out our sins, 0 Lord! and forget 
our offenses, that we may please thee, and 
that our prayers may be acceptable to thee. 

1b$mn« 

Lord! thou thyself hast said this golden 
word: 

"Where e'er thy treasure, there thy heart 
shall be. " 

Here at thy feet, my Eucharistic Lord! 
The meaning of thy word grows plain to me : 
Thou art my treasure, Jesus! and with thee 

my heart must be. 



PRAYEBS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 313 

Silver and gold, and every precious thing 
That thief can steal or moth and rust con- 
sume, 

Not to such perishable goods I cling; 
For treasures infinite my heart hath room. 
Thou art my treasure, Jesus! and with thee 
my heart must be. 

This altar is the school where I am taught 
To hear thy word, and love thy holy law. 
Here in thy heart sweet modesty is sought, 
Fervor and charity I hence may draw. 
Thou art my treasure, Jesus! and with thee 
my heart must be. 

Thrice happy he who gazes thus on thee 
Before thy tabernacle, night and day. 
Such happiness, alas! is not for me; 
But when I leave, my love behind will stay: 
For thou my treasure art, and, Lord! with 
thee my heart must be. 

Darioua Hcts, 

Hct of jfaitb. 

In adoring thee, O my Grod ! I must first 
confess that I believe it to be truly thyself, 
thy soul, thy body, thy divinity, thy human- 
ity, that is present here under the Euchar- 
istic veil. 



314 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



Thou, O Jesus! art the truth, and when 
presenting to thy disciples the bread changed 
into thy body, thou didst say to them: 
"This is my body." I believe thy word. I 
adore thee living bread come down from 
heaven, to give life to the world. 

When about to enter Mary's virginal 
womb, thou didst send thine Angel to her, 
and she believed his word, when he said: 
"Nothing is impossible to Grod; the Holy 
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power 
of the Most High shall overshadow thee." 

Thou hast not sent an Angel to me, O 
my Saviour! to tell me that thou art really 
and truly present in the tabernacle. Thou 
thyself hast spoken, and hast willed that 
thy words, spoken so many hundred years 
ago, should reach me by thy Church, that 
thus I might have the certainty that they 
are thine, and the merit of submitting my 
reason to the deepest of mysteries. 

I do believe, then, O Lord! humbly and 
gratefully. Thou sayest to me: "This is 
my body. — This is my blood' ■ — thy word 
is enough. 

Though my eyes see thee not ; though my 
hands cannot touch thy sacred wounds, like 
Thomas, yet do I most firmly believe thee 
to be my Lord and my Grod. 

When thou wast upon the cross, thy 



PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 315 

divinity was hidden from view; in the 
sacred Host, thy very humanity is hid from 
our eyes: but, I believe, O my God! that 
both, thy divinity and humanity, are present 
beneath the cloud which shrowds them from 
all mortal sight. 

I have been taught by thine Apostle, 0 
Light inaccessible! that it is by faith alone, 
that we can approach thee in this present 
life. I believe, O Lord! but do thou help 
my unbelief, and enable me to submit to 
thy infinite wisdom. 

Set of E&oration* 

Thy presence in our midst, O Lord! is 
joy and sweetness to me, and yet before 
indulging in the delight it brings, I feel 
impelled to prostrate my entire being before 
thy majesty. 

I must, I will first adore thee, for thou 
art the great Glod of heaven and earth. 

Thou standest in no need of us, and yet 
thou earnest down to this our nothingness, 

Where, then, shall I begin, if it be not in 
humbling myself profoundly before thee, 
and acknowledging that thou art the Lord, 
the only begotten Son of the Father ; that 
thou art he by whom all things were made ; 
the Eternal, the Infinite, and the supreme 
Judge of the living and the dead? 



316 



COKPUS CHBISTI. 



The Seraphim who see thee in thy unveiled 
majesty, and drink their fill of everlasting 
happiness from thy essence ; these glorious 
Spirits, as the Prophet tells us, cover their 
faces with their wings ; they tremble before 
thee, as the Church tells us ; and yet whilst 
trembling in thy presence, their love is so 
ardent and so tender, as if they were nothing 
but love. 

I would follow their example, 0 my Gk>d! 
and offer thee, at this moment, the creature's 
first duty to its Creator — adoration. 

Thou art so nigh to me at this happy 
moment that my being feels renovated and 
almost lost in thine; how, then, can I be 
otherwise than overwhelmed by the weight 
of thy glory, and most reverently adore 
thee, O eternal, infinite, immense, all-power- 
ful, and wonderful Grod! before whom all 
things created are, as though they were not. 

I confess before thee my own nothingness ; 
I acknowledge thine absolute dominion over 
me and over everything which thy power 
and goodness have produced in creation. 

I acknowledge thee to be the Sovereign 
Being, the Creator and Preserver of ail 
creatures, the undisputed Master of all that 
belongs to me. 

I delightedly confess my dependence on 



PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 317 

thee, and offer thee with all my heart my 
humble services. 

King of ages! Immortal and invisible! 
Glory be to thee ! 

Bet of SRummts* 

Taught, as I have been, by thy words, 0 
my God! I know, and with a certainty 
which my reason and senses could never 
have given me, that thou art really and 
truly present on this thy holy altar. 

Thou hast said it: "This is my body; 
this is my blood. " 

My whole being thrills at these words. I, 
a poor sinner, all marked with the sores of 
my iniquities, and still fighting with passions 
but half subdued, I am in thy holy presence ! 

And thou, the great God, the Creator of 
mankind, thou art in our midst! 

At such a truth as this, what else can I 
do than cry out with the Centurion of the 
Gospel: "Lord, I am not worthy! " 

And yet, I hear thee saying also those 
other words: "Unless you are with me, you 
shall not have life in you." 

This life, I would have, 0 Jesus! and 
didst thou not work all thy mysteries, in 
order that we might have life? 

What, then, can I do, but take shelter in 
the depths of humility, think of my own 



318 



CORPUS CHRISTI, 



vileness, be mindful of the pool of sin that 
exists within me, and acknowledge the 
infinite distance that is between myself and 
thee, 0 my Redeemer and my Judge? 

I know that then thou wilt have pity on 
my misery, and wilt say but one word, and 
my soul shall be healed. 

Say, I beseech thee, that word which is 
to comfort my heart. 

Till thou sayest it, I dare not raise mine 
eyes towards thine altar ; I can but tremble 
in thy august presence. 

Sin has so long tyrannized over me j its 
consequences are still upon me; it has 
given me such dangerous tendencies : and I 
am so weak in resisting its bidding. 

When my first parent sinned, he hid him- 
self, lest ho should meet thee; and thou 
biddest me come unto thy holy altar. 

Can this be ! Art thou not the infinitely 
holy God? 

I must needs yield and come, for thou 
art my Sovereign Master; and who is there, 
that resist eth thy will ? 

I come, then, humbling myself even to 
my very nothingness, before thee, and be- 
seeching thee to pardon my coming, for I 
come because thou wilt have it. 



PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 319 

Bet of %ovc. 

0 my J esus ! such is thy love for us in 
this world, that, as thyself hast said, thou 
art come not to judge but to save. 

1 should not satisfy thee, in this happy 
adoration-hour, were I to offer thee but the 
salutary fear which has led me to thy sacred 
feet, and the shame-stricken conscience 
which makes me tremble in thy holy pres- 
ence. 

The Sacrament which our tabernacles 
enclose, is the Sacrament of thy love, and 
it requires of us love more than anything 
else. 

Thou, 0 Lord! hast said that he loves 
most to whom most has been forgiven. My 
heart, then, must dare to love thee; it must 
love thee with all its warmth; the very 
recollection of its past disloyality must 
make its loving thee more fervent. 

Ah ! sweet Lord ! behold this poor heart 
of mine; strengthen it, console it; drive 
away its fears ; make it feel that thou art 
its Jesus. It has come back to thee because 
it feared thee; if it loves thee, it will never 
again leave thee. 

Nothing but my love will satisfy thee, O 
infinite Treasure! Thou hast ever loved me, 
thou art still loving me ; I must love thee 
in return. 



320 



COEPUS CHRIST!. 



Thou hast borne witn me ; thou hast for- 
given me ; thou art overpowering me with 
honors and riches ; and all this out of love 
for me ! The only return thou askest of me 
is my love. 

I will, therefore, summon all the energies 
of my heart, to tell thee that I love thee ; 
that thy love for me has emboldened me ; 
that I belong to thee; that I love thee 
above everything else that I love ; and that 
henceforth all my joy and happiness shall be 
in pleasing thee, and doing whatever thou 
askest of me. 

Bet of ©biatton* 

I know, O dear Jesus! that what thou 
askest of me is not the passing sentiment 
of a heart excited by the thought of thy 
goodness towards it. 

Thou hast loved me from eternity ; thou 
didst love me even when I was doing nothing 
for thee; thou hast given me light to 
know my miseries ; thou hast shielded me 
against thine own angry justice; thou hast 
pardoned me a countless number of times ; 
— and all these works of thy almighty hand 
have been for but one end — to make me 
give myself to thee, and live, at last, but 
for thee. 

Thou dwellest for me on this holy altar; 



PKAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACKAMENT. 321 

thou givest me so often thy precious body 
and blood, solely to induce me to give my- 
self unreservedly to thee. 

0 Bread! which came down from heaven, 
henceforth thou shalt be the source of my 
life. 

1 give my life unto thee ; I dedicate unto 
thee my soul, my body, my faculties, my 
whole being. 

Do thou direct and govern me. I resign 
myself entirely into thy hands. 

I am blind, but thy light will guide me ; 
I am week, but thy power will uphold me ; 
I am inconstant, but thy unchangeableness 
will give me stability. 

He that loves Grod, lives for him ; I love 
thee, O Jesus! therefore, I will live for thee. 

I am thine, O Grod of my heart ! as thou 
art mine; mine so often in holy Com- 
munion; mine constantly in the tabernacle. 

Bet of TCbanftsgipino for tbe flnstttution 
of tbe 3BIesset> Sacrament. 

0 my divine Saviour J esus Christ ! it was 
not enough for thine infinite love to die as 
a victim for our sins, upon the cross. 

In the excess of thy love, thou wouldst 
go still further, and leave to every one that 
believes in thee a memorial of thy love; 



322 



CORPUS CHRISTI. 



and place a means in his hands whereby he 
may unite himself in love with thee. And 
what has thy divine wisdom done to effect 
this! 

Thou hast done that which is past belief, 
and changed the bread which is our daily 
nourishment into thy own flesh, that we 
may feed upon thyself, and being by this 
heavenly food united to thee, may become 
changed into thee. 

Thou hast willed to become the food of 
our soul: its daily spiritual bread. This 
stupendous, this incomprehensible miracle 
is a work of thy boundless love. And this 
boundless love keeps thee a prisoner in the 
holy tabernacle. 

There thou remainest in the form of 
bread, to enter every soul that desires thee, 
and bestow on it the true life. 

What thanks, O Jesus! are due to thee 
for this love? 

For thousands of years, the human race 
was in expectation of the favors which thou 
hast bestowed upon us. 

Abraham, the father of believers; Moses, 
thy much loved friend; David, the inspired 
chanter of thy mysteries : — all sighed after 
it in vain. And this bread of Angels has 
come down from heaven for us — for me! 

Oh, unheard of goodness of a Grod! who 



PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 323 

can measure its length and breadth, or scan 
its height , or fathom its depth? 

These expressions of thy Apostle, 0 
Jesus! regarding the mystery of our altars, 
teach me what is the value of the wondrous 
gift thou hast bestowed upon mankind. 

With what humble and lively gratitude 
should it not, then, be adored! 

Thou hast not been deterred, either by 
our nothingness; or the coldness of our 
feelings; or our infidelities: be thou, there- 
fore, forever blessed, O Lord! that thou 
hast overstepped every limit, and removed 
every obstacle. 

I give thee thanks for the institution of thy 
most holy Sacrament. Deign to enlighten 
me that I may understand more and more 
the magnificence of thy gift. Deign to 
cherish within me the sentiment of love, 
that my desire to visit thee may thus be 
increased; that I may know how to honor, 
as I ought, thy presence on our altars; and 
that I may never dare to approach thee out 
of custom, but always bring with me the 
profoundest respect due to thee. 

Salutations to tbe Blesseb Sacra* 
merit 

Hail! noble body and most precious blood 
of my Lord Jesus Christ, here truly present 



324 



CORPUS CHKISTI. 



under the form of bread ! I adore thee with 
the same devotion and fervor as the nine 
choirs of Angels adore thee. I prostrate- 
myself before thee, and acknowledge that 
thou art indeed the bread of life and the 
food of our souls. 

Hail! all- worthy body of Jesus Christ, 
my Redeemer, the true living sacrifice that 
was consummated on the trunk of the holy 
cross! I adore thee in the name of all 
creatures, and give thee thanks for the love 
which, for our salvation, thou dost here 
conceal. 

Hail!* 0 Jesus Christ, Word of the Father, 
bread of heaven, sweet food of Angels, 
fountain of true blessedness, lamb of God, 
salvation of the world, holiest of sacrifices, 
by which heaven was reconciled with earth ! 

I salute and bless thee, thou most worthy 
divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, 
hidden in this small form for the consolation 
of our souls. I praise and exalt thee ; I give 
thee glory to all eternity. 

Mayest thou be praised, O most wonderful 
Sacrament of the Altar! with as much 
praise as there are stars in heaven, sparks 
in the fire, dust in the air, drops in the sea, 
or grains of sand on the earth; with as 
much praise as there are flowers in the 
spring, fruits in the summer, leaves in the 



PRAYEKS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 325 

autumn , flakes of snow in the winter , and 
creatures in heaven and on earth. For 
thou art worthy of such praise, O God! who 
art here truly hidden under the form of 
bread. 

Mayest thou be praised, 0 most holy 
Sacrament of the Altar! with as much 
praise as can be offered up in works, spoken 
by words of mouth, conceived in thought, 
desired in heart, and as can be in any 
manner laid hold of, and explained by the 
understanding of Angels and men. For 
thou art worthy of such praise, O Lord! 
who givest us as food thy most holy flesh, 
and as drink thy most holy blood. 

Mayest thou be praised, 0 most divine 
Sacrament of the Altar! with as much 
praise as the most holy Trinity can ever 
bring forth with its power, can seize with 
its wisdom, invent by its reason, or wish or 
desire by its goodness, in every way, in all 
places, at all times, and in all eternity. For 
thou art worthy of such praise, O Lord! 
who in this Sacrament dost give us to 
partake not only of thy humanity, but also 
of thy divinity. 

Saluted, praised, and blessed be, there- 
fore, the most holy Sacrament of the Altar! 
Amen. 



326 



CORPUS CHKISTI. 



In this Sacrament, sweet Jesus! 
Thou dost give thy flesh and blood, 
With thy soul and Grod-head also, 
As our own most precious food. 

Yes, dear Jesus! I believe it, 
And thy presence I adore, 
And with all my heart I love thee, 
May I love thee more and more ! 

Come, sweet Jesus! in thy mercy 
Q-ive thy flesh and blood to me : 
Come to me, O dearest Jesus! 
Come, my souPs true life to be. 

Come ! that I may live forever, 
Thou in me, and I in thee ; 
Living thus, I shall not perish, 
But shall live eternally. 

Conclusion* 

0 my Lord ! my heart has been inflamed 
anew by the conversation which I had with 
thee during this hour. 

1 have had the happiness to speak to 
thee, O my Creator and Redeemer! and 
thou hast deigned to incline thine ear, and 
listen to my unworthy prayer. 



PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 327 

0 Jesus! I thank thee for thy infinite 
goodness, and pray thee never to let me 
forget thy presence in our midst. 

How great is thy love for us, 0 Lord! 
which keeps thee a prisoner in the taber- 
nacles of our churches. 

Let thy holy dwelling among us be the 
centre of all my thoughts and actions, the 
object of all my love and desires. 

Let me live united with thee in the Sacra- 
ment of Love, that I may one day be found 
worthy to adore thee in heaven. 

O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

ft. 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 
1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 
y . Let us bless the Lord! 
Tfy. Thanks be to Grod. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
Amen. 




jfeast of tbe Sacreb Ibeavt 
of Jesus. 

>~\ O Lord! thou wilt open my Eps, 
Py. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

T. 0 God! incline unto my aid. 
R. 0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bboration, 

^OME, let us adore the sacred heart of 
Jesus. 

That heart which has loved us so much, 
and which was wounded for our iniquities ; 
that heart which has poured forth the last 
drop of its sacred blood for our salvation. 

Come, let us adore the sacred heart of 
Jesus in the most blessed Sacrament ; the 
heart of the God-man ; the heart so full of 
mercy and goodness; the heart which is 
always praying for us; the source of all 
graces. 

Let us adore this most holy heart, with 
all the love and strength of our hearts. 

(328) 



PRAY EES TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 329 

Let us render the sacred heart the homage 
of our humble adoration and thanksgiving. 

Come, let us unite with the Angels and 
Saints of heaven, and sing with them the 
praises of the heart of our Saviour. 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Hosts ! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Praised and adored be without end: 

The sacred heart of Jesus in the most 
blessed Sacrament. 

IReparattoru 

O divine heart of Jesus! heart in the 
sacred Host! heart offered as a victim ! 
royal and magnificent heart towards which 
ungrateful men show only forgetfulness, 
indifference and contempt: permit me to 
consecrate this hour to thee, and to make 
reparation for all the treasons, sacrileges 
and insults, of which thou art the adorable 
victim in the Sacrament of Love. 

Suffer me during this hour to make satis- 
faction for the crimes of sinners; for the 
hatred of the impious ; for the blasphemies 
uttered against thee, for the sacrileges which 
profane thy adorable Sacrament; for the 
irreverence committed in thy sacred pres- 
ence ; for the coldness of the greater part of 



330 FEAST OF THE SS. HEAKT OF JESUS. 

thy children; for the abuse of thy grace; 
for my own unfaithfulness ; for the hardness 
of my heart ; for my long delay in loving 
thee ; for my tepidity in thy holy service. 

0 Jesus, divine Saviour! from whose 
heart came forth this bitter complaint : "I 
looked for one that would comfort me, and 
I found none/' graciously accept the feeble 
consolation I offer thee. 

Thy heart is not only outraged by infidels, 
Jews, and heretics, but even those who call 
themselves thy people and thy children 
seem to unite with thy enemies, to fill up 
the measure of their crimes and sorrow. 

1 myself, O my Grod ! have often contrib- 
uted to thy sadness by my ingratitude, my 
irreverences, and other profanations. 

0 amiable Saviour! whose heart is always 
open to welcome us, graciously forgive these 
our sins. 

Pardon my weak faith, my insensibility, 
my coldness and all the offences and crimes 
by which mankind has ever offended and 
continues to offend thee every moment. 

Deign to receive this humble reparation, 
for it comes from a heart, which, in future, 
shall be entirely devoted to the love of thy 
sacred heart. 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 331 

To Christ, the prince of peace, 
And Son of Grod most high, 
The Father of the world to come, 
Sing we with holy joy. 

Deep in his heart for us 

The wound of love he bore : 

That love, wherewith he still inflames 

The hearts that him adore. 

0 Jesus, victim blest! 
What else, but love divine, 
Could thee constrain to open thus 
That sacred heart of thine? 

0 fount of endless life ! 
0 spring of waters clear! 
0 flame celestial, cleansing all 
Who unto thee draw near. 

Hide me in thy dear heart , 
For thither do I fly ; 
There seek thy grace through life, 
In death thine immortality. 

Praise to the Father be, 
And sole begotten Son ; 
Praise, holy Paraclete,to thee; 
While endless ages run. 



332 FEAST OF THE SS. HEART OF JSEUS. 

Salutations to tbe Sacret) Ibeart of 
Jesus. 

Hail, heart of my Jesus — save me ! 
Hail, heart of my Creator — perfect me! 
Hail, heart of my Saviour — deliver me! 
Hail, heart of my Judge — pardon me ! 
Hail, heart of my Father — govern me! 
Hail, heart of my Spouse — love me! 
Hail, heart of my Master — teach me ! 
Hail, heart of my King — crown me! 
Hail, heart of my Benefactor — enrich me ! 
Hail, heart of my Pastor — keep me ! 
Hail, heart of my Friend — caress me! 
Hail, heart of the infant Jesus — attract 
me ! 

Hail, heart of Jesus dying on the cross — 
atone for me ! 

Hail, heart of Jesus in all its conditions 
— give thyself to me ! 

Hail, heart of my brother — remain with 
me! 

Hail, heart of incomparable goodness — 
forgive me! 

Hail, heart most glorious — shine forth 
in me! 

Hail, heart most amiable — inflame me! 
Hail, heart most charitable — work in me! 
Hail, heart most merciful — answer for 
me! 



PRAYERS TO THE S.S. HEART OF JESUS. 333 

Hail, heart most humble — repose in me ! 

Hail, heart most patient — bear with me! 

Hail, heart most faithful — make satis- 
faction for me ! 

Hail, heart most adorable and most wor- 
thy — bless me ! 

Hail, heart most peaceful — calm me ! 

Hail, heart most desirable and most 
beautiful — delight me ! 

Hail, heart most illustrious and most 
perfect — e noble me ! 

Hail, heart most holy and balm most 
precious — preserve and sanctify me ! 

Hail, heart most holy and salutary — 
reform me ! 

Hail, heart most blessed, true physician 
and remedy for all ills — heal me ! 

Hail, heart of Jesus, consolation of the 
afflicted — comfort me! 

Hail, heart of Jesus, ardent furnace 
burning with love — consume me ! 

Hail, heart of Jesus, model of perfection 
— enlighten me ! 

Hail, divine heart, source of happiness — 
strengthen me! 

Hail, heart of eternal benediction — call 
me to thee ! 



334 FEAST OF THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 

Unvocatioua to tbc Sacreb Ibeart. 

Divine heart of Jesus! thou lovest nie; 
grant that I may also love thee: sweetest 
heart of Jesus ! I implore that I may love 
thee more and more. 

Divine heart of Jesus! thou always 
thinkest of me; grant, that I may often 
think of thee. 

Divine heart of J esus ! possess my heart ; 
possess my imagination ; possess my mem- 
ory. 

i)ivine heart of Jesus ! grant, that I may 
seek thee alone in all things; that I may 
find thee in all things ; confide in thee for 
all things ; please thee in all things. 

0 divine heart of Jesus! mayest thou 
reign in all hearts. 

Heart of Jesus! perfect adorer of God, 
teach me to adore the heavenly Father with 
thee and through thee. 

Heart of Jesus! infinitely humble, annihi- 
late my pride. 

Heart of Jesus ! perfect model of meek- 
ness, inspire we with that salutary virtue. 

Heart of Jesus ! infinitely pure and spot- 
less, give me an inviolable purity of body, 
mind and heart. 

Heart of Jesus! full of zeal for the glory 
of the heavenly Father, animate my heart 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 335 

with an ardent zeal for thy glory and my 
own sanctification. 

Heart of Jesns ! heart full of sorrow and 
bitterness on account of our sins, make 
reparation for my sins, and help me to 
avoid them, 

Heart of J esus ! be thou my heart. 

O Jesus! I desire to adore, love and 
thank thy Father with thy heart. 

O Jesus! I desire to adore, love and 
thank thee; ask pardon, pray, serve and 
follow thee, with thine own heart. 

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, 
make my heart like unto thine. 

O Jesus! infinite goodness, open to us thy 
divine heart ; let us regard it as the centre 
of our happiness, and suffer not that sin 
should ever separate us from thee. 

ibomaae to tbe Sacteb Ibeart* 

O my Jesus! Son of the eternal Father 
become man, from thy most sacred heart 
flows every blessing, ail repose, all pleasure, 
all peace, all joy, all delight, every charm, 
all goodness, as from the most eminent 
fountain. 

Thy heart is the seat of every virtue. 
Thy heart is the delight of thy Father ; the 
joy of Angels and Saints. Thy holy heart 



336 FEAST OF THE SS. HEAET OF JESUS. 

is the altar on which the most perfect sacri- 
fice of praise , thanksgiving and adoration 
may be offered to the most holy Trinity. 

Nothing in heaven, and nothing on earth, 
is more beautiful, more glorious, purer, 
sweeter, more full of delight than thy heart, 
It is the object of love, veneration and 
adoration of the whole heavenly court, and 
of all pure souls on earth. 

O who will give me words that I may 
offer to this most sacred heart the homage 
which is due to it? "Where shall I find 
language to express the feelings of my in- 
most soul, when I consider thy most loving 
heart, O Jesus ! 

Behold ! in profound reverence, I prostrate 
myself before thee, and worship thy most 
lovely, most sweet heart, and offer to it all 
the praise and glory it deserves. 

0 that with my own blood, I could wash 
away the insults which have already 
wounded thy most loving heart, that I 
might mitigate the pains occasioned by so 
many sins ! 

O my Jesus! accept my desires. I know 
that I am too miserable to afford thee any 
compensation by my homage and adoration. 

Instead of this, look favorably upon the 
hymns of praise offered by all pious souls. 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 33? 

and by all the saints in heaven, who love 
thee so intensely, and rejoice thee so greatly. 

With these, I unite my desires and 
exclaim: "Praised, adored, and loved be, 
for ever and everywhere, the sacred heart 
of my Jesus! ?? Amen. 

Bet of Consecration to tbe Sacrefc 
Heart, 

0 Jesus! Word of God made flesh, Son 
of the eternal Father from all eternity, and 
in time, Son of the immaculate Virgin 
Mary! our Saviour and Eedeemer! 

Behold here, at thy feet, thy unworthy 
servant, who is about to consecrate himself 
(herself) again to thy most sacred, and by 
love and grief wounded heart. 

Through this consecration I openly testify, 
that I wish to believe all that the holy, 
Catholic Church believes and teaches con- 
cerning thy heart, O good Jesus! and the 
honor due to the same. 

Therefore, I adore this most sacred heart, 
because, with the remainder of thy body 
and soul, it is inseparably united with thy 
divine nature. 

1 honor and love this heart which is 
worthy of the highest honor and love ; for 
it is indeed the sanctuary and centre of all 



338 FEAST OF THE SS. HEART OF JEST'S. 

the divine solicitude for the glory of the 
Eternal Father, and the salvation of man- 
kind. 

I thank thee, 0 sweetest Jesus! with my 
whole heart; and in union with all the 
Saints who were, are, and ever shall be, I 
praise thee &nd thy most amiable heart on 
account of the immeasurable treasures of 
grace, which thou hast unceasingly poured 
forth from it, and continually pourest forth 
upon me, upon the Church, and over the 
whole world. 

But I beseech thee also with all the Saints, 
to forgive me and all mankind, for having 
repaid thy unspeakable love, and the num- 
berless benefits of thy most amiable heart, 
with slothfulness, ingratitude, yea even 
with sin. 

And further I promise, that I now. con- 
secrated to thy wounded heart, will with 
increased diligence and care strive to make 
my heart as much as I am able conformable 
to thy heart, by purity of intention, con- 
tempt of the world, constant mortification, 
patience in sufferings, and the fulfillment of 
the duties I have to discharge. 

And as I am a child of that holy Church, 
which was born in thy heart, and came 
forth from thy opened side. I further, there- 
fore, promise, with thy assistance, not only 



PEAYEKS TO THE SS. HEAKT OF JESUS. 339 

never to neglect my duties, but also by 
example and prayer to endeavor to lead all 
hearts to thy Church, at the same time 
drawing them to the love of thy sweetest 
heart. 

Lastly I promise that in future I shall be 
entirely intent on making reparation, by 
praise and thanksgiving, mortification, 
patience, and the devout offering of holy 
Masses and Communions, for the sins by 
which many ungrateful persons, particularly 
by manifold profanation of the holy Eucha- 
rist, offer outrage to thy amiable heart. 

O divine heart worthy of infinite love and 
adoration! O wounded and bleeding heart 
of Jesus! 0 heart of love! Behold, I com- 
mend myself to thee; I unite myself to 
thee ; in thee I enclose myself and all that 
I have and am. 

Purify me in thy blood ; imprint on me 
the indelible sign of thy cross, that I may 
always and everywhere prove myself worthy 
of my holy vocation ; Worthy of all the Saints 
in heaven j yes worthy of thy most sacred 
heart, to which I have consecrated myself. 

O Jesus, my crucified love ! This I humbly 
ask of thee through the merits of thy pierced 
heart, of the ever blessed, immaculate 
Virgin, thy and my Mother, and through 
the intercession of all the Saints, who while 



340 FEAST OF THE SSt HEAET OF JESUS. 

on earth, were especially devoted to thy 
adorable heart. 

IDaricus ]pra$er0. 

O adorable heart of my Jesus! heart 
created expressly for the love of men ! Until 
now I have shown towards thee only in- 
gratitude. 

How is it possible, 0 sweetest heart! that 
I do not die of sorrow for my sins, and ail 
ardent love for thee! Through thy tears 
and thy blood, give me the grace of perse- 
verence in thy fervent love till to the end. 

Almighty God ! who by the power of the 
Holy Ghost didst form the holy and spotless 
heart of Jesus, which was conceived for us 
in the womb of the blessed Virgin, withdraw 
from our hearts all worldly inclinations, 
and make them pure in thy sight. 

O Jesus! who dwelling on earth didst 
converse with men with a meekness and 
humility capable of engaging the hearts of 
all, I beseech thee to increase in me those 
two amiable virtues, which thou didst hold 
so dear, that following thy example, I may 
find the rest which thou promisest to the 
meek and humble of heart . 

O adorable Saviour! whose sacred heart, 
full of sorrow and bitterness, has many 
times bewailed the guilty pleasures of men, 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 341 

grant, I beseech thee, that by making my 
heart conformable to thine, I may despise 
the allurements of the world and the flesh, 
and may thus deserve to share in thy ever- 
lasting glory and happiness, 

O divine Redeemer! who art the glory 
and the happy centre of all hearts, and who 
didst say that thou wouldst draw all things 
to thyself; I beseech thee, to purify my 
heart by the fire of thy divine love, and to 
draw it to thee by the bond of thy charity. 

Imprint, O divine heart! thyself like a 
seal on my heart, that I may ever remember 
my obligations, and never be separated from 
thee. 

May my name ever be fixed and engraven 
on thee, O book of life, 0 divine heart of 
my Redeemer ! that I may merit to praise 
and glorify thee for all eternity. 

O heart of Jesus, purest heart! 
Altar of holiness thou art, 
Cleanse thou my heart, so sordid, cold, 
And stained by sins so manifold. 

Take from me, Lord! this tepid will, 

Which doth thy heart with loathing fill ; 

And then infuse a spirit new, 

A fervent spirit, deep and true. 
12 



342 FEAST OF THE SS. HEAET OF JESUS, 

Most humble heart of all that beat ! 
Heart full of goodness, meek and sweet ! 
Give me a heart more like to thine. 
And light the flame of love in mine. 

But, ah! were e'en my heart on fire 
"With all the Seraphims' desire, 
Till love a conflagration proved, 
Not yet wouldst thou enough be loved. 

That, therefore, thou mayest worthily 
Be loved, O loving Lord! by me, 
That love which in thy heart doth burn, 
Give me to love thee in return. 

May this thy love's most fiery dart 
Strike deep and set on fire my heart, 
And in that burning may it be 
Dissolved and all-consumed in thee. 

Xttan^ of tbe Sac^ Heart of 3e6us, 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 343 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God, the Son Redeemer of the world, 

God, the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the 

blessed Virgin, 
Heart of Jesus, reposing on the bosom of 

the blessed Virgin, 
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well 

pleased, 

Heart of Jesus, hypostatieally united to the 

Son of God, 
Heart of Jesus, wonderful work of the Holy 

Ghost, 

Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the blessed 
Trinity, 

Heart of Jesus, furnace of love, 
Heart of Jesus, source of sweetness, 
Heart of Jesus, miracle of obedience, 
Heart of Jesus, abyss of humility, 
Heart of Jesus, ocean of goodness, 
Heart of Jesus, infinite patience, 
Heart of Jesus, full of wisdom, 
Heart of Jesus, full of grace and truth, 
Heart of Jesus, mighty in word and work. 
Heart of Jesus, inflamed with zeal for the 
glory of God, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



344 FEAST OF THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 

Heart of Jesus, working miracles every- 
where,*) 

Heart of Jesus , refuge of the afflicted, 
Heart of Jesus, always solicitous for sinners, 
Heart of Jesus, full of forbearance for thy 
enemies, 

Heart of J esus, overwhelmed with bitterness, 
Heart of Jesus, suffering in the garden, 
Heart of Jesus, sad even unto death, 
Heart of Jesus , betrayed by Judas, 
Heart of Jesus, afflicted by the cowardice of 

thy Apostles, 
Heart of Jesus, comforted by an Angel, 
Heart of Jesus, submissive to the will of the 

Father, 

Heart of Jesus, suffering every kind of in- 
justice, 

Heart of Jesus, abandoned to the fury of 

thy enemies, 
Heart of Jesus, loaded with indignity, 
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto the death of 

the cross, 

Heart of J esus, victim ftmlj sacrificed for us. 
Heart of Jesus, speaking through a thousand 
wounds, 

Heart of Jesus, crying by the voice of thy 
blood, 

Heart of Jesus, disarming divine justice, 
Heart of Jesus, praying for thy enemies, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 345 

Heart of Jesus, thirsting for our salvation,*) 
Heart of Jesus, exhausted of blood, 
Heart of Jesus, dying of love for us, 
Heart of Jesus, breaking on the cross for us, 
Heart of Jesus, finishing the work of our 

redemption, 
Heart of Jesus, reconciling heaven with earth , 
Heart of Jesus, pierced and opened by the 

lance, 

Heart of Jesus, from whence issued the 

holy Church, thy spouse, 
Heart of Jesus, paradise of crucified souls, 
Heart of Jesus, hope of the dying, 
Heart of Jesus, risen from the dead, 
Heart of Jesus, glorious and triumphant, 
Heart of Jesus, the glory of Mary, 
Heart of Jesus, the splendor of the Father, 
Heart of Jesus, the honor of the blessed 

Trinity, 

Heart of Jesus, placed at the right hand of 

the Father, 
Heart of Jesus, purifying the Angels, 
Heart of Jesus, sanctifying the Archangels, 
Heart of Jesus, confirming the Thrones, 
Heart of Jesus, governing the Dominations, 
Heart of Jesus, reigning over the Princi- 
palities, 

Heart of Jesus, commanding the Powers, 
Heart of Jesus, strength of the Virtues, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



346 FEAST OF THE SB. HEART OF JESUS. 

Heart of Jesus, enlightening the Cherubim , 
Heart of Jesus, inflaming the Seraphim, 
Heart of Jesus, the Drown of all Saints, 
Heart of Jesus, living and glorious, though 

concealed, in the blessed Sacrament, 
Heart of Jesus, adored on our altars by all 

devout souls, 
Heart of Jesus, surrounded by millions of 

Angels, 

Heart of Jesus, profaned and despised by 

the wicked, 
Heart of Jesus, cruelly treated by Jews, 

Heretics, and Christians, 
Heart of Jesus, always praying for us in 

the tabernacle, 
Heart of Jesus, our consolation in our trials 

and afflictions, 
Heart of Jesus, inexhaustible source of all 

graces and blessings, 
Lamb of Grod, who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of Grod, etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God, etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord ! 

f. O most sacred heart of Jesus, have 
mercy upon us, 

1^. That we may worthily adore thee in 
the Sacrament of Love. 



*) Have mercy on us. 



PRAYERS TO THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 347 
LET US PRAY, 

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty G-od! 
that we who glory in the most sacred heart 
of thy beloved Son, and commemorate the 
singular benefits of his love towards us, 
may rejoice both in their accomplishment 
and in the fruit thereof. Through the same 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Conclusion. 

0 my loving Redeemer! before I leave 
thy sacred altar, I enclose myself in thy 
adorable heart. 

1 glorify and praise thee for all the bene- 
fits which thy most glorious divinity and 
thy blessed humanity have ever wrought in 
mankind through thy sacred heart. 

Let a ray of the love from thy own loving 
heart sink into my poor heart, that it may 
love thee above all. 

And do thou, O heavenly Father! accept 
these my humble prayers, in union with 
that love and fervor with which thy only 
Son Jesus offered thee all his actions, from 
his birth until his painful death upon the 
cross. 

May the sacred heart of Jesus graciously 
supply whatever has been wanting in my 
devotions ! 



348 FEAST OF THE SS. HEART OF JESUS. 

0 heart of Jesus, in the blessed Sacra- 
ment! be praised, adored and loved with 
grateful affection, at every moment, in all 
the tabernacles of the world, even to the 
end of time. 

Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
fy. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
^. Thanks be to God. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
1^. Amen. 



jFeasts of the Bleseeb 

prerogatives of tbe Blesaeb IDlroin. 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O Grod! incline unto my aid. 
fy. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bboration* 

Come, let us adore Jesus Christ, the Son 
of Grod from all eternity, and born of 
the blessed Virgin Mary in time. 

Come, let us most humbly adore him, in 
the blessed Sacrament; let us praise and 
glorify him. 

Let us pay our homage to the Lord, who 
called Mary by the sweet name of Mother. 

Let us unite ourselves with her to whom 
we are indebted for the adorable victim of 
our altars, and who was the first to adore 
him in the crib. 

His flesh is of her flesh ; his blood of her 
(349) 



350 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



blood; let us glorify him and praise his 
most holy Mother. 

Let our voices blend with those of the 
Angels in our praise and adoration of the 
Most High, and in extolling their holy queen. 

With them let us say with great devotion : 

Praised and adored be without end: 

Jesus, the Son of Mary, in the most holy 
Sacrament! 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Grod of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparattcm. 

O Jesus ! I believe that thou art the Son 
of Grod, born of thy heavenly Father before 
all ages, equal to him in all things, the 
Lord of heaven and earth. 

But seeing the misery, into which the sin 
of our first parents had plunged us, and 
that we had lost heaven, and were doomed 
to hell, thou hadst compassion on us, and 
didst resolve to redeem us. 

Thou earnest down from heaven, and lo! 
didst take flesh in the chaste womb of the 
Virgin Mary, and wast born of her. 

In this way thou becamest her Son, and 
she thy Mother; all for the love of man. 



PREEOGATIYES OF THE B. V. M. 351 

But alas! the majority of mankind has 
no thanks for thy great love ! 

They do not know thee, nor do they 
acknowledge what thou hast done for them. 

They even reject thy very presence 
amongst us; have no faith in the blessed 
Sacrament; and ignore thee entirely. 

Nay. even I myself have often offended 
thee, and have repaid thy love with coldness 
and ingratitude. 

For these our sins, 0 Lord! I humbly 
ask pardon and forgiveness. Turn thy face 
away from them; look not at our crimes, 
but at thy immaculate Mother. 

Remember the love thou bearest to her 
remember what she has done for thee ; and 
that she is always interceding for us. 

If, therefore, my prayers are not worthy 
to be heard ; attend at least to her supplica- 
tions, and grant us the desired mercy and 
forgiveness. 

Hail, bright star of ocean , 
God's own Mother blest! 
Ever sinless Virgin. 
Grate of heavenly rest ! 



352 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Taking that sweet Ave 
Which from Grabriel came. 
Peace confirm within us, 
Changing Eva's name. 

Break the captives fetters , 
Light on blindness pour ; 
All our ills expelling, 
Every bliss implore. 

Show thyself a mother ; 

May the Word divine, 

Born for us thine Infant, 

Hear our prayers through thine, 

Virgin all excelling, 
Mildest of the mild! 
Freed from guilt, preserve us 
Meek and undefiled. 

Keep our life all spotless, 
Make our way secure, 
Till we find in Jesus 
Joy forevermore. 

Through the highest heaven, 
To the Almighty Three, 
Father, Son and Spirit, 
One same glory be. 



PREROGATIVES OP THE B. V. M. 353 

Zhc Hmmaculate Conception of tbe 

Let every heart, that is devout, now raise 
itself, and devoutly celebrate the conception 
of the Virgin ever blessed. 

Let the mind be inflamed with love, and 
let praise and jubilee unite with love. 

In her admirable conception, she is a rose 
in its beauty; she is a lily in its whiteness. 

As fruit that comes from the flower, so 
was Mary brought forth in her purity, for 
her Son hath possession of her from the 
first. 

As a dew-drop contracts not a stain from 
the earth whereon it is formed, so was Mary 
unstained by original sin, when she was 
conceived in her mother's womb. 

Let us, then, sing our sweetest hymns, in 
praise of a cloudless brightness, the Immac- 
ulate Conception. 

Put on all your joys, ye choirs of earth! 
and sing of her that was a daughter of 
Adam, but not of sin. 

Mary went forth from the root of Jesse ; 
she was conceived without sin, and the head 
of the old serpent was crushed by her. 

The Word of the Father is made living 
flesh ; a spotless virgin is his mother ; not 
made so by the ordinary laws of wedlock, 



354 FEASTS OF THE B. V. Iff. 

but by the overshadowing of that bright 
Spirit who is Grod, yet chooses Mary for his 
spouse. 

Here is the cause of that ancient hate, 
that everlasting quarrel between the serpent 
and man — that now the crouching viper is 
crushed by the woman's feet. 

The Virgin that was made worthy to be 
the mother of God, triumphs over all the 
poisons of Satan. The green monster , now 
sluggish and disabled, coils his huge folds 
round himself, and on the grass vomits out 
his venom. 

Well may the fierce wolf tremble, and flee 
from the dear white lambs of the fold. 

Sulky and vexed, he prowls around the 
enclosure wherein they safely browse, he 
dare not think of blood, nor show his rabid 
teeth. 

0 wonderful change! the lamb commands 
the lion, and the heavenly dove, in her 
descent to earth, makes the ravenous eagle 
flutter through the clouds and the wind. 

Where is the man with words sublime 
enough to tell the gifts bestowed on the 
Virgin, by whom life was restored to the 
world, which was prisoner in the snare of 
the old death? 

She is the branch of Jesse; the garden 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 355 

wherein grew the divine plant; the holy 
fountain sealed with the mysterious gifts. 

Our first parent brought death on himself 
by drinking in the poison of the wicked 
serpent ; thence came the pestilence on all 
mankind, and it was mortal. 

But the Creator of the world took com- 
passion on man; and seeing the womb of 
the Virgin, that was pure from sin, it is by 
her he decrees to convey the joys of salva- 
tion to the world that languished in crime. 

The Creator was born in her — in his 
own ; — the sceptre was wrested from the 
hands of the dreaded enemy ; a new light 
shone through the whole world. 

With justice do we then rejoice over the 
conception of Mary. 

The Virgin Mother is begotten; she, the 
sweet source of pardon, is conceived. 

It was the remedy of those two evils : the 
long exile of Adam, and the disgrace of 
Joachim. 

It was this that the inspiring grace of 
God made the Prophets foretell, and the 
Patriarchs foresee. 

There is conceived Jesse's branch, that 
was to produce a flower ; the star that was 
to bring forth the sun. 

Who is the flower that was to rise from 



356 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



the branch ; who is the sun that was to be 
born from the star, but Christ, our Lord! 

O happy and glorious Conception: so 
welcome to us, and so dear to Grod! 

Misery is at an end; mercy is given to 
us : sadness is succeded by joy. 

That which was heretofore hid under the 
thick cloud of figures, is now made manifest 
by the daughter of the holy Anne. 

He that is the source of true light, brought 
up this branch from the root of Jesse ; and 
his wisdom has made her the temple of his 
grace. 

It is a new rising of a new star, at which 
our death dies; it is now, that what was 
lost by the fall of Eve, is found again in 
Mary. 

This is the holy Virgin that is described 
as the aurora, rising as the lovely moon, as 
the sun, the brightest of orbs. 

O Virgin Mother, Virgin of virgins, 
fragrant cloud of smoke, in thee both 
heaven and earth delight. 

Truly, then, thou art the cause of our joy 
and hope. Oh! pray, that after running the 
race of this present life, we may receive the 
looked for prize in heaven. 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 357 

£be fiDotberboot) of tbe Bleesefc 

May all heaven and earth be glad, and 
resound with the praises which are sung to 
the maternity of the Virgin. 

Yea, this Virgin, Mother of the Word, is 
made the gate of heaven : she gave Grod to 
the world, and by this opened heaven to us. 

This happy Mother of Jesus conceived 
him without humiliation, and bore him 
without a moan ; such a mother could not 
be under the law put on Eve. 

O that rich treasury of Mary's womb! it 
held the price which purchased our redemp- 
tion, setting us free from the yoke of our 
debt. 

The Son of the eternal Father dwelt 
within her ; the Holy Grhost overshadowed 
her; what is such a Virgin's womb but a 
new-made heaven? 

The King of kings is born of the Virgin ; 
the Sun is born of a star. 

The Sun knows no setting; the star is 
ever shining, ever bright. 

As a star gives forth its ray, so does the 
Virgin her child. 

The star loses naught of its purity by the 
ray it yields, so neither does the Virgin by 
her child. 



358 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Unhappy Eve was the cause of our ruin ; 
but Mary brought forth a son, who redeemed 
us sinners. 

Death and life were thus strangely recon- 
ciled: there reigns now God, the Son of 
Mary. 

It was by the Virgin-Mother, that man 
was restored to the primeval state. 

A Virgin brought forth our God, and the 
ancient anger ceased. 

Guilty man was drawn from the mire, 
when God lay on his crib of straw. 

The Virgin feeds the Creator — the Re- 
deemer who had become her child; — divine 
wisdom lay hidden in childhood. 

The milk of the Mother's breast fed her 
J esus ; her J esus feeds us with the milk of 
his tender mercy. 

Therefore, let our sweetest music give 
our "Ave Maria" in sacred words and with 
speaking hearts. 

Hail ! Virgin ever blest, thou didst destroy 
the curse. Hail! Mother of the Most High, 
and spouse of the lamb most meek. 

Thou didst conquer the serpent, and 
crush his head, for the God that was born 
of thee, was the serpent's death. 

Thou art the couch of the King, and the 
throne of the Almighty. Thou givest life 
to him, who giveth life to us. 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 359 

Mary hath the prerogative of other 
mother's without their humiliations. 

She conceived thee, O Jesus! but was a 
virgin; she fed thee at her breasts, but was 
a virgin. It was thy bidding, O Lord! and 
at once the purest virgin was the perfect 
mother. 

She carries thee in her arms, and refreshed 
with thy lovely sight, she feels no weight. 

She gives thee food, for thou didst will to 
hunger; she gives thee drink, for thou didst 
will to thirst. 

And when she willed to press thee to her 
heart, thy love did temper down the burning 
fire of thine infinite perfections, that she 
might fondle thee and live. 

Nature's laws were truly suspended in 
thee, most pure Virgin! for thou remainest 
a virgin after thy delivery, as thou wast 
before it. 

O spotless Mother of Grod! heal the 
passions of my wretched soul; appease my 
mind tossed by the attacks of my enemy as 
with tempests, and bring, O Virgin Mother! 
peace unto my heart. 

Greeting to tbe Blessefc DtrQin. 

Hail, Mary! sweet hope of the world! 
Hail, gentle queen! Hail, loving mother! 
Hail, full of grace! 



360 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Hail, peerless virgin! imaged in the bush 
that burned, yet was not burned. 

Hail lovely rose ! Hail, Jesse's rod! whose 
fruits broke the chains of our misery. 

Hail, holy Mother! for whom Grod set 
aside all nature's laws, and made thy virginal 
womb bring forth his Son. 

Hail matchless queen! it was thou that 
didst make the long sad world rejoice. 

Hail, virgin! of whom the King of heaven 
would be born, and suck the food whereon 
he deigned to live. 

Hail, pearl! Hail, heavenly orb! Hail, 
temple of the Holy Grhost ! 

Hail, flower of purity ; sanctuary of chas- 
tity; mother of mercy! 

Hail, gentle maid, source of life, beautiful 
light! full of the dew of the sevenfold 
Spirit ; adorned with all virtues and bloom- 
ing in holiness of life ! 

Hail, fruitful mother! who givest birth 
to the Son of Q-od, and yet remainest a 
pure virgin. 

Hail, gate open to none but God! Thou 
bringest into the world the light of truth ; 
the very sun of justice clad in human flesh. 

Hail, thou beauty of the world, queen of 
heaven, brilliant as the sun, lovely as the 
moon's brightness! think of us all who love 
thee. 



P&EKOGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 361 

Hail, thou spouse of the divine Word! 
haven of the sea ! burning bush ! cloud of 
sweet aromatic spices ! 

Hail, most pure dwelling of spiritual light ! 
cause of our union with Grod! destroyer of 
the curse! thou didst call from this exile 
the children of this earth. 

Hail, glorious, powerful, and sovereign 
empress! noble mother and daughter of 
Jesus! branch lovely in bloom! and leaf, 
matured by the plentiful grace of God! 

Hail, O star of the sea! Calm its storms, 
and suffer not that they overwhelm us. 
Defend us from sin in this present life, and 
when our last hour comes, deliver us by thy 
holy prayer from the abyss of hell, and 
obtain for us the joys of heaven 

petitions to tbe Blessed Dtrgtm 

Look down upon us, O Queen of the 
Angels 7 kingdom! With thy Son, thou 
reignest forever on the heavenly throne. 

Sweet Mother Mary! truly sweet and 
loving and most gentle ! 

Thou art as a fountain, full of love and 
clemency ; and as a land flo wing with honey . 

Thou mercifully aidest the sorrowing, to 
obtain the forgiveness of their sins. 



362 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



By thy prayers, the guilty one rises from 
his abomination. 

O mother of mercy! O singular hope of 
the fallen! bear up, this day, to heaven, the 
prayers and sighs of thy clients. 

Restore us to the favor of our Emmanuel, 
whom thou didst feed at thy sacred breasts, 
and whose sweet infant limbs thou didst 
warm. 

Do thou, 0 mediatrix! appease him in 
our regard. 

By thy virtue, do thou obtain forgiveness 
for the guilty, and bring courage to them 
that fear. 

Thou art our good, our merciful mother; 
thou art our hope, O Mary! 

Thou art the hope and refuge of humble 
sinners; thou healest them whose hearts 
are sick from crime; and thou winnest 
salvation for them that repent. 

Thou art the comfortress of the afflicted 
and the support of the weak j the unclean 
of heart ask thee to pray them pure ; and 
souls discouraged get bravery from thee. 

O Mary, full of motherly love! thou art 
the sinner's advocate and the sweet consoling 
hope of them that are in wretchedness. 

Raise up the hearts of us thy clients, and 
turn them to the holy joys of the heavenly 
kingdom-, 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 363 

Heal the wounds of my heart, O Virgin! 
and direct the movements of my soul in a 
bright and happy path, so that I may fulfill 
(rod's will. 

O Virgin! that lovest holy souls, make 
mine holy, for it is depraved by the evil of 
sin ; make it good, for thou hast given birth 
to the good God and Lord. 

Enlighten, O thou gate of light! the eyes 
of my heart; send within me the bright 
ray of compunction ; and deliver me from 
eternal darkness. 

Tossed by the troublesome attacks of my 
passions, as by so many storms, and buffeted 
by the blows of my sins as by angry billows , 
I lovingly fly to thy untiring protection, O 
maid most worthy of all praise ! 

Turn the faculties of my soul, O most 
pure one ! to the divine commandments of 
him who shone forth from thy womb, and, 
by thy prayers, deliver me from the storms 
of this life's scandals. 

0 Virgin Mother! thou pourest forth an 
ever flowing stream on all who have recourse 
to thee. Refresh us then by its plentiful 
grace, that we may praise thy purest Son, 
O purest maid! and extol him above all, 
for ever. 



364 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 

0! be thou mindful, Mother most tender! 
Ne'er was thine aid implored in vain; 
Faint in the combat, lest we surrender, 
Do thou our faltering hearts sustain. 

In ages gone by, as all records declare, 
Not once hast thou slighted the suppliant's 
cry, 

Nor shall ages that follow, thy mercies 
impair ; 

To all that invoke thee, sweet Mother! 
thou'rt nigh. 

For this, in the midst of my sin and my 
dread, 

At the thought of thy mercies, with hope 

I'm inspired; 
Oh Virgin ! thy Son on the cross for me bled, 
Thy Son on the cross for my ransom expired. 

Though countless and grievous the sins I 
deplore, 

Despair at thy name from my bosom shall 
flee; 

In thy love will I hope for my pardon once 
more, 

Oh! Virgin and Mother! I fly unto thee. 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 



365 



To my prayers and my sighs, blessed Mother ! 
give ear ? 

And be thou as ever the penitents' friend, 
Neath the shield of thy favor, no danger 
Fll fear, 

But with thee and thy Son hope to reign in 
the end, 

%ttan$ of tbe Sacred Ibeart of flDar^ 

Lord, have mercy on us, 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us, 

Christ, hear us, 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Sacred Heart of Mary,**) 

Heart of Mary, conceived without sin, 

Well beloved Heart of the daughter of the 

heavenly Father, 
Most blessed Heart of Mary, mother of the 

divine Son, 
Chosen Heart of the spouse of the Holy 

Ghost, 

Amiable Heart of the mother of our Re- 
deemer ? 



*) Have mercy on us, 
**) Pray for us, 



360 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Heart of Mary, seat of wiedoin,*) 
Heart of Mary, mirror of justice, 
Heart of Mary, throne of mercy, 
Heart of Mary, containing all holiness, 
Heart of Mary, ark of the covenant, 
Heart of Mary, gate of heaven, 
Heart of Mary, most glorious, 
Heart of Mary, most powerful, 
Heart of Mary, most merciful, 
Heart of Mary, most faithful, 
Heart of Mary, most praiseworthy, 
Heart of Mary, most loving. 
Heart of Mary, most meek, 
Heart of Mary, most humble, 
Heart of Mary, most patient, 
Heart of Mary, pierced by sufferings for us, 
Heart of Mary, light of the erring, 
Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners, 
Heart of Mary, fortitude of the just, 
Heart of Mary, comfort of the afflicted, 
Heart of Mary, strength in temptation, 
Heart of Man', hope of the dying, 
Heart of Mary, help in all tribulations. 
Heart of Mary, pledge of the promises of 
Jesus, 

Heart of Mary, perfect holocaust of divine 
love, 

Heart of Mary, joy of all hearts. 

Heart of Mary, admiration of the angels, 



*) Pray for us. 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 367 

Heart of Mary, delight of all the saints,*) 
Heart of Mary, crowned with glory in 
heaven, 

0 sweetest, O mildest, 0 most beloved, 

maternal heart of Mary, 
Lamb of Grod! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord ! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Have mercy on us, O Lord! 

y. Sacred Heart of Mary, pray for us. 

Iy. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

PRAYER. 

0 Grod of mercy! who hast filled the 
sacred and immaculate heart of Mary with 
most tender feelings of mercy and love, 
grant, we beseech thee, that all who know 
this virginal heart, may, by the merits 
of the same, attain to a perfect conformity 
of their inclinations to the most sacred- 
heart of Jesus, and may preserve it until 
death. 

Conclusion* 

0 blessed Mother of Grod, and my Mother ! 
graciously hear the prayers which I have 



*) Pray for us. 



368 FEASTS OF THE B. V. Iff. 



directed to thee, and obtain for me, and all 
those for whom I have prayed, Grod's mer- 
ciful protection. 

From thee, O most holy Virgin ! did Jesus 
take the body which is present for us in the 
tabernacle ; thou didst give him the blood 
which he shed for us on the cross, and 
which is daily offered in the holy sacrifice 
of the Mass. 

Obtain for us a special love for the G-od 
of our altars, who is thy divine Son. Inter- 
cede for us that we may direct our thoughts 
and actions more and more to him, and 
make the blessed Eucharist the centre of 
our lives. 

Mayest thou, 0 Jesus ! in the holy Sacra- 
ment be praised and adored by all men, 
through the immaculate heart of thy and 
my Mother. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all! 
Hear me, blest Saviour! when I call; 
Hear me, and from thy dwelling place 
Pour down the riches of thy grace: 
Jesus, my Lord! I thee adore; 
Oh! make me love thee more and more! 



PREROGATIVES OF THE B. V. M. 



369 



Jesus ! too late I thee have sought ; 

How can I love thee as I ought ? 

And how extol thy matchless fame, 

The glorious beauty of thy name ; 

Jesus, my Lord ! I thee adore; 

Oh ! make me love thee more and more . 

Jesus! what didst thou find in me, 

That thou hast dealt so lovingly? 

How great the joy that thou hast brought, 

So far exceeding hope or thought, 

Jesus, my Lord! I thee adore; 

Oh ! make me love thee more and more ! 

Jesus ! of thee shall be my song ; 

To thee my heart and soul belong ; 

All that I have and am is thine, 

And thou, blest Saviour! thou art mine, 

Jesus, my Lord! I thee adore; 

Oh! make me love thee more and more ! 

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
fy. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. Let us bless the Lord. 
^. Thanks be to Ood. 
J. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
ty. Amen. 



Datlous {praters to the 
Blesseb tyivgin, 

T. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise, 

y, 0 God! incline unto my aid. 

0 Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcoratton. 

Come, let us adore our God, the Lord of 
Hosts, the Creator of heaven and earth. 

Let us pay the homage of humble adora- 
tion before the tabernacle, wherein Jesus 
our Lord dwells with soul and body, with 
humanity and divinity. 

Come, let us offer him our prayers through 
the hands of his blessed Mother, from whom 
he took the body which we adore, and the 
blood whereby we are nourished. 

Come, let us praise his Mother from the 
depths of our heart, for such praise is pleas- 
ing to our Lord and will draw upon us his 
benedictions. 

(370) 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



371 



Come, let us ask the inhabitants of heaven 
to unite their praises with ours; let us join 
the angelic choirs and sing with them the 
glories of Mary and the goodness of our 
Lord and Saviour. 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatkm* 

O my dear Lord ! it is truly meet that we 
praise and glorify thee in thy Sacrament of 
Love. 

It has cost thee a great deal to remain 
with us, and to dwell on our altars. 

Thou hadst to die and shed thy own 
blood; since then, thou didst endure in- 
numerable in suits in this thrice holy mystery. 

A few chosen souls only come to visit 
thee ; the greater number have no love for 
thee; desecrate thy holy temple by their 
misbehavior; nay even dare to receive thee, 
in holy Communion, into a heart that is 
given to Satan. 

For these poor sinners, as well as for my 
own sinful soul, I offer thee, O my dear 
Saviour! the prayers of this hour. 

O Mother of God, and my Mother ! unite 



372 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. Mr. 



thy fervent prayers with mine, and help me 
to pray with devotion. 

My prayers come from sinful lips, and 
have no claim to be accepted by the Holy 
One: but thine, 0 Mary! are always accept- 
able. 

Pray. then, for us. 0 merciful Mother! 
refuge of sinners, and help of Christians! 
that the mercy of God may graciously for- 
give us. 

Hail, queen of the heavens! 
Hail, mistress of earth! 
Hail, Virgin most pure! 
Of immaculate birth. 

Clear star of the morning, 
In beauty enshrined ! 
0 Lady! make speed 
To the help of mankind. 

Thee God in the depth 
Of eternity chose ; 
And formed thee all fair. 
As his glorious spouse : 

And called thee his Word's 
Own mother to be. 
By whom he created 
The earth, sky and sea. 



PEAYEES TO THE B. V. M. 373 



Unbulgencefc praters of St. Hlpbonsus 
to tbe Bleeseb Virgin. 

fot par&on of Sins. 

See, Mother of my God! at thy feet a 
wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee. 
I am not worthy that thou shouldst even 
cast thine eyes upon me ; yet well I know 
that thou, beholding Jesus, thy Son dying 
for sinners, dost thyself yearn to save them. 

0 Mother of mercy ! look on my miseries 
and have pity on me. Men say thou art 
the refuge of the sinner, the hope of the 
despairing, the aid of the abandoned; be 
thou, then, my refuge, my hope, and my aid. 

It is thy prayers which must save me. 
For the love of Jesus Christ be thou my 
help, reach forth thy hand to the poor fallen 
wretch who cries to thee for succor. 

1 know that thy heart delights to aid the 
sinner when thou canst; help me, then, 
now whilst thou canst. 

My sins have forfeited the grace of Grod 
and my own soul. Behold me in thy hands. 
O tell me what to do that I may regain my 
Saviour's grace, and lo! I do it. 

He bids me go to thee for help ; he wills 
that I should seek thy tender pity's refuge, 
that so not thy dear Son's merits only, but 
thine own prayers too may help to save me. 

13 



374 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



To thee. then. I have recourse: pray thou 
to Jesus for me. and make me know and feel 
what thou canst do for one who trusts in 
thee. Be it done unto me according to my 
hope. Amen. 

Three Hail Mary-. 

for J&clv perseverance. 

Most holy Mary, queen of heaven! I who 
was once the slave of Satan, now dedicate 
myself to thy service forever. I offer my- 
self to honor and to serve thee while I live. 
Accept me as thy willing servant and cast 
me not from fche€ as I deserve. 

Mother! in thee have I placed all my 
hope. All blessing and thanksgiving be to 
(rod, who. in his mercy. giveth me this trust 
in thee. 

True it is that in the past I was miserably 
fallen in sin. But through the merits of 
Jesus Christ, and by thy prayers. I hope 
God has pardoned me my sins. 

Yet it is not enough, my Mother! to be 
forgiven, whilst the thought appals me that 
I may still lose the grace of God. Danger 
is ever nigh, the devil sleeps not. fresh 
temptations assail me. 

Protect me. then, my sovereign mistress! 
help me against the assaults of hell. 0 
never, never, let me sin again, and offend 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



375 



Jesus thy Son. No never, never more suffer 
me to risk my soul, heaven, and my God, by 
sin. For this one grace I ask thee, Mary! 
this I desire ; this may thy prayers obtain 
for me. Such is my hope. Amen. 
Three Hail Marys. 

for a (Boob H>eatb* 

Holiest Mary, Mother of goodness ! Mother 
of mercy! when I reflect on my sins and 
on the moment of my death, I tremble 
and am filled with confusion. My sweetest 
Mother ! in the blood of Jesus, and in thy 
intercession are my hopes. 

Comfort of the afflicted! abandon me not 
at my death agony ; fail not to console me 
in that great affliction. If even now I am 
so tormented with remorse for sin, connected 
by the uncertainty of forgiveness, by the 
danger of a relapse, and the rigor of divine 
justice, how will it be then? 

Mother! before death overtakes me, ob- 
tain for me a great sorrow for my sins, a 
true amendment, and a constant fidelity to 
Glod in all that yet remains to me of life. 

And when, indeed, my hour is come, 
then do thou, Mary! be my hope, be thou 
mine aid in the anguish in which my soul 
will be overwhelmed ; when the enemy sets 



\ 



376 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M, 

before my face niy sins, oh! comfort me 
then, that I may not despair. 

Obtain for me at that moment to invoke 
thee often , that with thine own sweet name 
and that of thy most holy Son upon my 
lips, I may breathe forth my spirit. This 
grace thou hast granted to many of thy 
servants: I. too, desire it and hope to 
obtain it. 

Three Hail Marys, 

fox preservation from IHelL 

Mother of God, most holy Mary! how 
often, by my sins, have I merited hell! Ere 
now the judgment had gone forth against 
my first mortal sin, hadst not thou, in thy 
tender pity, stayed awhile God's justice, 
and then softening my hard heart drawn 
me on to take confidence in thee. 

And oh! how often, in dangers which 
beset my steps, had I fallen, hadst not thou, 
loving Mother! that thou art, preserved me 
by the graces which thou didst obtain for 
me. 

My queen! what will thy pity and thy 
favor have availed me, if I perish in the 
flames of hell? If ever I have not loved 
thee, now, after Grod, I love thee above all 
things. Ah suffer not that I turn away from 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 377 

thee and from Gfod, who through thee hath 
granted me so many mercies. 

Lady most worthy of all love ! suffer not 
that I be doomed to hate and curse thee 
forever in hell. Couldst thou bear to see a 
servant whom thou lovest, lost forever? O 
Mary! say not so. Say not that I shall be 
among the lost, yet lost am I assuredly, if 
I abandon thee. But who can have the 
heart to leave thee? How can I ever forget 
the love which thou hast borne me? No, it 
is impossible for him to perish who hath 
recourse to thee, and who, with loyal heart, 
confides in thee. 

Leave me not to myself, my Mother! or 
I am lost. Let me ever have recourse to 
thee. Save me, my hope! save me from 
hell, and first from sin, which alone can 
cause my eternal ruin. 

Three Hail Marys. 

tfov ©btammg iparaDtee, 

Queen of heaven ! sitting enthroned above 
the nine choirs of Angels, nighest to Grod, 
from this vale of tears I, a wretched sinner, 
hail thee, praying thee, in thy love, to turn 
on me those gracious eyes of thine. 

See, Mary! see the danger in which I am 
and ever shall be, whilst I live upon this 
earth, of losing my soul, paradise, and God. 



S78 FEASTS OF THE B, V. Bit, 

In thee. Lady! is my hope, I love thee 
and I sigh after the time when I shall see 
thee and praise thee in heaven's courts. 

O Mary! "when will that blessed day come 
that I shall see myself safe at thy feet? 
When shall I kiss that hand so often out- 
stretched to minister graces to me? Alas! 
too true it is, my Mother! that in my life I 
have often been ungrateful ; but if I reach 
heaven, there I will love thee for all eternity, 
and make reparation for my ingratitude by 
ever blessing and praising thee. 

Thanks be to God for having given me 
such trust in the precious blood of Jesus, 
and in thy powerful intercession. In these, 
thy true servants have ever hoped, and 
none of them has been disappointed. No, 
neither shall I be deceived in mine. 

0 Mary! pray to thy Son Jesus, and I 
will pray him too, by all the merits of his 
passion, to strengthen and increase this my 
hope. 

Three Hail Marys. 

for ©btaming tbe %ovc of Jesus an& 

Mary! of all creation the noblest, highest, 
purest, fairest, holiest work of Grod! O that 
all men knew thee, and loved thee, my 
queen ! as thou deservest to be loved ! 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



379 



Yet great is my consolation, Mary ! that 
so many blessed souls in heaven, and so 
many just souls still on earth, are filled with 
love for thy beauty and goodness. But 
above all I rejoice in this, that G-od himself 
loves thee alone more than all men and 
angels. 

I too, loveliest queen! I a miserable 
sinner dare to love thee, mean though my 
love be. I would I had greater love, more 
tender love: this thou must gain for me, 
since to love thee is the surest mark of 
predestination, and a grace which Grod 
vouchsafes to the elect. 

Then, too, my Mother! when I reflect 
upon the debt I owe thy Son, I see that his 
love for me demands in return an immeasu- 
rable love. Do thou, who desirest nothing 
else than to see him loved, pray that I may 
obtain this grace — a great love of Jesus 
Christ. Obtain it, thou who obtainest from 
Grod what thou wilt. Not goods of earth, 
nor honor, nor riches do I covet, but that 
which thine own heart dasires most — to 
love my God alone. Oh can it be that thou 
wilt not aid me in a desire so acceptable to 
thee! Impossible! even now I feel thy help, 
even now thou prayest for me. 

Pray Mary! pray; and never cease to 
pray, till thou dost see me safe in paradise, 



380 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



sure of possessing and loving ray Gk>d and 
thee, niy dearest Mother! for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Three Hail Marys. 

for tbe protection of tbe Blessed Dtrgin. 

0 my most holy Mother! on the one 
hand I see the graces which thou hast ob- 
tained for me; and on the other, the 
ingratitude I have shown thee. The un- 
grateful are unworthy of all favors ; yet not 
for this will I distrust thy mercy. 

Great advocate, have pity on me! Thou 
Mary ! dost bestow every grace which Grod 
vouchsafes to us sinners, and. therefore, did 
he make thee mighty, rich and kind that so 
thou mightest succor us. 

1 wish to save my soul. In thy hands I 
place my eternal welfare ; to thee I intrust 
my soul. I wish to be of those who are thy 
especial servants: cast me not, then. away. 

Thou art seeking the wretched to console 
them. Do not abandon a wretched sinner, 
who has recourse to thee. Speak for me, 
Mary! thy Son grants what thou askest. 
Take me under thy protection, and it is 
enough, because with thee to guard me, I 
fear no ill. No, not my sins, because thou 
wilt obtain God's pardon for them: nor the 
devils, because thou art far mightier than 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



381 



hell; nor my judge, Jesus Christ, for at thy 
prayer, he will lay aside his wrath. 

Protect me, then, my Mother! obtain for 
me pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, holy 
perseverance, a good death, and paradise. 
It is true, I merit not these graces ; yet do 
thou only ask them of our God, and lo! 
they shall be mine. Pray, then, to Jesus 
for me. Mary, my queen! in thee I trust; 
in this trust I rest, I live; in this trust I 
hope to die. Amen. 

Three Hail Marys. 

Hail, Virgin most wise ! 
Hail, Deity's shrine! 
With seven fair pillars, 
And tables divine ! 

Preserved from the guilt 
Which hath come on us all ! 
Exempt, in the womb, 
From the taint of the fall ! 

O new Star of Jacob ! 
Of Angels the queen ! 
0 gate of the Saints ! 
0 Mother of men ! 



382 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



To Zabulon fearful 
As th'embattled array; 
Be thou of the faithful 
The refuge and stay. 

flntmlgencefc Cbapiet of twelve Stars. 

All praise and thanksgiving be to thee, 
ever blessed Trinity! who hath manifested 
to us Mary, ever Virgin, clothed with the 
sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and 
on her head a mystic crown of twelve stars. 

3$. For ever and ever. Amen. 

Let us praise and give thanks to Grod the 
Father, who chose her for his daughter. 

fy. Amen. 

Our Father. 

Praise be to God the Father, who pre- 
destined her to be the Mother of his Son. 
Iy. Amen. 
Hail Mary. 

Praise be to Grod the Father, who saved 
her from all stain in her conception. 
I^. Amen. 
Hail Mary. 

Praise be to Grod the Father, who, on her 
birthday, adorned her with his choicest gifts. 
fy. Amen. 
Hail Mary. 

Praise be to Gk>d the Father, who gave 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M, 



383 



her St. Joseph for her pure spouse and 
companion. 
1^. Amen. 

Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father. 
Let us praise and give thanks to God the 
Son, who chose her for his Mother. 
Iy. Amen. 
Our Father. 

Praise be to God the Son who became 
incarnate in her womb, and dwelt there for 
nine months. 

ty. Amen. 

Hail Mary. 

Praise be to God the Son who was born 
of her and nourished with her milk. 
ty. Amen. 
Hail Mary. 

Praise be to God the Son, who, in his 
childhood, willed that Mary should teach 
him. 

Iy. Amen. 

Hail Mary. 

Praise be to God the Son, who revealed 
to her the mysteries of the redemption of 
the world. 

^. Amen. 

Hail Mary and Grlory be to the Father. 
Let us praise and give thanks to God the 
Holy Ghost, who made her his spouse. 
R. Amen. 



384 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. Iff. 



Our Father. 

Praise be to God the Holy Grhost, who 
first revealed to her his name of Holy Ghost. 
1^. Amen. 
Hail Mary. 

Praise be to the Holy Grhost , through 
whose operation she was at once Virgin 
and Mother. 

ty. Amen. 

Hail Mary. 

Praise be to the Holy Grhost, through 
whom she became the living temple of the 
most holy Trinity. 

Iy. Amen. 

Hail Mary. 

Praise be to the Holy Grhost, by whom 
she was exalted in heaven high above all 
creatures. 

I^. Amen. 

Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father. 

For the holy Catholic Church, for the 
propagation of the faith, for peace among 
christian princes and for the uprooting of 
all heresy. 

Hail holy Queen! — Mother of mercy, our 
life, our sweetness, and our hope; to thee 
do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; 
to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning 
and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, 
then, most gracious advocate! thine eyes of 



PEAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



385 



mercy towards us, and after this our exile, 
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, 
Jesus, 0 clement, O pious, 0 sweet Virgin 
Mary ! 

Hail, Solomon's throne! 
Pure ark of the law! 
Fair rainbow and bush ! 
Which the Patriarch saw. 

Hail, Gredeon's fleece! 
Hail, blossoming rod! 
Samson's sweet honey comb! 
Portal of G-od! 

Well fitting it was, 
That a Son so divine 
Should preserve from all touch 
Of original sin ; 

Nor suffer by smallest 
Defect to be stained, 
That Mother, whom he 
For himself had ordained. 

Zbc praises of tbe Blessefc Dirgtm 

(After the "Te Deum.") 

We praise thee, O glorious Virgin! we 
acknowledge thee to be the queen of all. 

All the earth doth worship thee; the 
Mother of mankind. 



386 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



To thee all Angels ; to thee the heavens 
and all the powers therein ; 

To thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry 
with unceasing voice : 

Blessed, blessed, blessed, Mother of the 
Eedeemer! 

The heavens and the earth are full of the 
majesty of thy glory. 

Thee the glorious choir of Apostles, 

Thee the admirable company of the 
Prophets, 

Thee the white-robed army of the Martyrs, 
praise. 

Thee the holy Church, throughout all the 
world, doth acknowledge. 

Thou art the daughter of the Father. 

Thou art the mother of the Son. 

Thou art the spouse of the Holy Grhost. 

Thou art the queen of heaven, O Mary! 

Thou sittest at the right hand of Christ, 
thy Son. 

We beseech thee, therefore, to help thy 
servants, whom Jesus, thy child, has re- 
deemed with his precious blood. 

Make us to be numbered with the Saints, 
in glory everlasting. 

O Mother! save thy people, and bless 
thine inheritance. 

Govern them, and lift them up forever. 

Day by day we bless thee. 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



387 



And we praise thy name forever; and 
world without end. 

Vouchsafe, 0 Lady! this day to keep us 
from sin. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Mary! have mercy 
on us. 

Let thy mercy be upon us, as we have 
hoped in thee. 

O Mother in thee have I hoped ; let me 
never be confounded. 

1b$mru 

Hail, virginal Mother ! 
Hail, purity's cell! 
Fair shrine! where the Trinity 
Loveth to dwell. 

Hail, garden of pleasure! 
Celestial balm ! 
Cedar of chastity ! 
Martyrdom's palm! 

Thou land set apart 
From uses profane ! 
And free from the curse 
Which in Adam began. 

Thou city of God ! 
Thou gate of the East ! 
In thee is all grace, 
O joy of the blest! 



388 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. Iff* 



Xitan^ of tbe Ble06e^ X)\vq\w. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven.*) 

God the Son. Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost. 

Holy Trinity one God. 

Holv Marv,**) 

Holy Mother of God. 

Holv Virgin of virgin-. 

Mother of Christ, 

Mother of divine grace. 

Mother most pure, 

Mother most chaste, 

Mother inviolate, 

Mother undefiled, 

Mother most amiable. 

Mother most admirable, 

Mother of our Creator. 

Mother of our Saviour. 

Virgin most prudent. 

*) Have mercy on us. 
**) Pray for us. 



PEAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



389 



Virgin most venerable,*) 
Virgin most renowned, 
Virgin most powerful, 
Virgin most merciful, 
Virgin most faithful , 
Mirror of justice, 
Seat of wisdom, 
Cause of our joy, 
Spiritual vessel, 
Vessel of honor, 
Singular vessel of devotion, 
Mystical rose, 
Tower of David, 
Tower of ivory, 
House of gold, 
Ark of the covenant, 
Gate of Heaven, 
Morning star, 
Health of the sick, 
Refuge of sinners, 
Comforter of the afflicted, 
Help of Christians, 
Queen of angels, 
Queen of patriarchs, 
Queen of prophets, 
Queen of apostles, 
Queen of martyrs, 
Queen of confessors, 
Queen of virgins, 



*) Pray for us. 



390 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Queen of all saints,*) 

Queen conceived without original sin, 

Queen of the most holy Bosary, 

Lamb of Grod ! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of Grod ! etc. 
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 
Christ, hear us, 
Christ, graciously hear us. 

Ant. "We fly to thy patronage, O holy 
Mother of Grod! despise not our petitions 
in our necessities; but deliver us always 
from all dangers, 0 ever glorious and 
blessed Virgin ! 

J. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God! 

^. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PEAY. 

Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord! thy 
grace into oui\ hearts; that we to whom the 
Incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made 
known by the message of an Angel, may, 
by his passion and cross, be brought to the 
glory of the resurrection. Through the 
same Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



*) Pray for us. 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M. 



391 



y. Pray for us, Saint Joseph! 
3^. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

Assist us, O Lord! we beseech thee, by 
the merits of the spouse of thy most holy 
Mother, that what of ourselves we are 
unable to obtain, may be granted to us 
through his intercession, who livest and 
reignest, world without end. Amen. 

Hail, Mother most pure ! 
Hail, Virgin renowned ! 
Hail, Queen with the stars 
As a diadem, crowned ! 

Above all the Angels, 
In glory untold ; 
Standing next to the king 
In a vesture of gold. 

0 Mother of mercy! 
O star of the wave ! 
0 hope of the guilty ! 
0 light of the grave ! 

Through thee may we come 
To the haven of rest ; 
And see heaven ? s King 
In the courts of the blest. 



392 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



These praises and prayers 
I lay at thy feet, 
0 Virgin of virgins ! 
0 Mary, most sweet ! 

Be thou my true guide 
Through this pilgrimage here ; 
And stand at my side 
When death draweth near. 

Conclusion. 

O Mary, Mother of Jesus ! I choose thee 
this day again as my mother, my queen and 
my advocate at the throne of thy divine Son. 

Take, I pray thee, my place before his 
altar, when other duties call me elsewhere. 

O dear Mother ! it is thy earnest desire to 
see Jesus in the blessed Sacrament adored 
and praised by all men. 

Praise him, then, in my stead, and offer 
him my humble petitions in behalf of all 
those who neglect to visit and adore him in 
this holy mystery. 

To thee, 0 blessed Mother! and to thy 
divine Son, I devote my whole life. 

May the blessed Mother of Grod be praised 
for ever and ever ! 

And may Jesus, her Son, in the blessed 
Sacrament, be exalted and adored for all 
eternity. 



PRAYERS TO THE B. V. M, 



393 



O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

Silent and still the heavenly Host, 
Prostrate in love and fear : 
And "we, for whom thou art hidden thus! 
Not one is kneeling here. 

Alone in the day; and crowds rush past, 
Like a stream in noisy glee ; 
Yet none of them stay their steps, to come 
And waft a prayer to thee. 

Alone in the night ; the weary world 
Is sleeping its toil away ; 
While the rich and the great, in idle ease, 
Are gathered to feast and play. 

Not one of them here to visit thee, 
To draw from thy sacred heart 
Those words so tender, loving, dear, 
Which bid us in peace depart. 

None of them dream of the floods of joy, 
So tender, so full, so sweet, 
Which flow when we weep, as wept of old 
The sinners at Jesus' feet. 



394 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Draw us, 0 Lord! with the chords of love; 
Draw us until we rest 
In the twilight dim, before thy throne. 
Sharing the watch of the blest. 

Heavy and dull, we are clothed in clay. 
Oh ! scatter thy holy fire ; 
Light up our hearts from thy heart of flame, 
Our souls with love inspire. 

Then shall we come with ardent joy, 
Then shall we kneel and pray. 
With Angels who keep their vigils blest 
At thine altar, night and day. 

Commemoration of St. Joseph, 
> v . 0 Lord! hear my prayer. 
R. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. Let us bless the Lord ! 
^. Thanks be to God. 
y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
3^. Amen. 




fln Ibonor of tbe Sorrowful 
flfcotber. 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
I^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O God! incline unto my aid. 
^. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning , etc. 

Hfcoration* 

Come, let us adore the victim of our 
altars, Jesus Christ our crucified Saviour. 

Come, let us, with his sorrowful Mother, 
stand beneath his cross, and in deep sorrow 
meditate on his and Mary's sufferings. 

Come, let us thank our loving Redeemer 
for his passion and death, and for daily 
renewing, in the holy Mass, the sacrifice 
which he offered on Good Friday on the 
cross. 

Let us invite the Angels and Saints, who 
witnessed the crucifixion of our Lord and 
the sorrows of our blessed Lady, to assist 
us in this pious devotion. 

(395) 



396 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Let us, with them, most humbly sing to 
our crucified Saviour: 
Holy, holy, holy, Lord Grod of Hosts ! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Grlory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparattom 

O Lord ! who is like unto thee ! Who is 
as holy, as powerful as thyself? 

Thou art the Lord above all lords, the 
Creator of all things, and yet men dare to 
offend thee, and to rise against thy Majesty! 

Out of love for sinners, thou didst descend 
from the throne of thy heavenly Father, 
and ascend the tree of the cross. For three 
hours, thou didst hang on the cross, in 
order to open heaven to all; and — oh, the 
ingratitude of men! — they crucify thee, as 
it were, anew every day by committing sin, 
even in thy very presence and before thy 
very altar. 

O sorrowful Mother of my Jesus! thou 
hast been witness of his sufferings; thou 
knowest how much he did for our redemp- 
tion. Oh! come and help me to make 
satisfaction for the insensibility, insults, and 
crimes by which ungrateful men offend him. 

In hoiy love and with great compassion, 
I will meditate on thy sorrows, O blessed 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. 397 

Lady! for I know how pleasing this is to 
our crucified Saviour. 

Do thou, O Lord! accept these prayers 
in honor of thine and mine Mother, who 
suffered wdth thee, and for her sake, forgive 
us all what we have committed against thee. 

0 ye who know love's conquering power, 
Come, watch with me one dismal hour; 
My heart doth writhe with pain 
'Neath Calvary's crimson rain: 

Oh ! pity me, poor wilted flower. 

1 am the Mother of the Crucified, 
The holy Spirit's anguished bride, 
My Son in woes all steeped, 

His sheaves of sorrow reaped, 
The Jews in Pilate's hall deride. 

Did ever burn a mother's love 
As that lit by this heavenly dove? 
But, oh! my breaking heart 
Did feel the piercing dart 
Of anguish falling from above. 

I saw him clambering Calvary's steep, 

With cross and crown of thorns pierced deep ; 

All bound in galling chains, 

O'ercome by racking pains, 

With feeble step, I could not weep. 



398 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 

0 ye with hearts of tender mould, 
Lament with me o'er hearts so cold. 
Three times he fell to earth, 

To Jews a source of mirth ; 

They scourged my Son by Judas sold, 

They laid him on his bed of pain, 
His blood that cruel race did stain j 
They pierced his hands and feet, 
That heart, with woes replete, 
Which often on my breast had lain, 

Oh how my heart was wrung to see 

My dying Son on Calvary's tree! 

My soul I joined to his; 

To suffer then was bliss. 

With him to die, I was not free, 

1 lived but felt the deadly smart 

Of sorrowing love, a breaking heart. 

My murdered Son in pain 

Still, still, I see again: 

Oh! love my Son and joy impart, 

from tbe jpropbet 3eremias> 

How doth the city sit solitary ; how is the 
mistress of nations become as a widow ! 

Weeping she hath wept in the night, and 
her tears are on her cheeks ; there is none 
to comfoi^t her among all them that were 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. 



399 



dear to her ; all her friends have despised 
her, and are become her enemies. 

Her adversaries are become her lords; 
her enemies are enriched ; all her beauty is 
departed. 

Oh! all ye that pass by the way, attend 
and see, if there is a sorrow like to my 
sorrow. 

From above, the Lord hath sent fire into 
my bone, and hath chastised me ; he hath 
made me desolate and spent with sorrow 
all the day long ; he hath trodden the wine- 
press for the virgin-daughter of Juda. 

Therefore, do I weep, and my eyes run 
down with water; because the comforter, 
the relief of my soul, is far from me, My 
children are desolate, because the enemy 
hath prevailed. 

Behold, O Lord! for I am in distress; my 
bowels are troubled; my heart is turned 
within me, for I am full of bitterness; 
abroad the sword destroyeth, and at home 
there is death alike. 

They have heard that I sigh, and there is 
none to comfort me ; all my enemies have 
heard of my exile, and they have rejoiced: 
my eyes have failed with w r eeping. 

To what shall I compare thee, O Mary! 
or to what shall I liken thee, O daughter of 
Jerusalem! To what shall I equal thee, that 



400 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



I may comfort thee, 0 virgin daughter of 
Sion ! For great as the sea is thy destruction S 
who shall heal thee? 

All they that passed by the way have 
clapped their hands at thee, O Mother of 
sorrows! they have hissed and wagged their 
heads at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying: 
Is this the city of perfect beauty, the joy of 
all the earth? 

All thy enemies have opened their mouth 
against thee ; they have hissed and gnashed 
with the teeth, and have saith: We will 
swallow her up; lo, this is the day which 
we looked for. 

The Lord hath done that which he pur- 
posed ; he hath fulfilled his word which he 
commanded in the days of old; he hath 
destroyed and hath not spared, and hath 
caused the enemy to rejoice over thee, and 
hath set up the hour of thy adversaries. 

Their heart cried to the Lord upon the 
walls of the daughter of Sion; let tears 
run down like a torrent, day and night; 
give thyself no rest, and let not the apple 
of thy eye cease. 

The Lord hath led me and brought me 
into darkness; my skin and my flesh he 
hath made old; he hath broken my bones. 

He hath built round about me; and he 
hath compassed me with gall and labor. 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER, 401 

He hath set me in dark places, as those 
who are dead forever. 

He hath bent his bow, and set me as a 
mark for his arrow. 

He hath filled me with bitterness! he 
hath inebriated me with wormwood. 

O Mary, O Mother most sorrowful! how 
bitter was thy grief, how great thy affliction, 
when thou didst stand under the cross of 
thy divine Son ! 

Thou sawest Jesus, thy beloved one, 
stripped of his garments, hanging as a 
criminal between heaven and earth, in the 
midst of murderers, on the ignominious wood 
of the cross. Thou sawest his sacred and 
innocent body unnaturally extended; the 
nerves stretched out, the veins torn asunder, 
the bones- dislocated^ his hands and feet 
nailed through; his face disfigured with 
blood and wounds, his head sunken down 
with weakness; his eyes and mouth closed, 
his side pierced by the lance. 

O what a sight for thy loving and ma- 
ternal heart! what a sight to see thy Son, 
the Son of God, the only joy of thy heart, 
expire amid the most agonizing pains! 

O Mother! sweet, suffering Mother! be 
pleased to accept my heart-felt compassion ! 
my humble prayer for sinful mankind. 

Pray for us sinners, O Mother most 



402 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. Bf. 



sorrowful , and reconcile us by thy powerful 
intercession with Jesus crucified. 

£be Stabat flDater, 

Near the cross, whilst on it hung her Son. 
the sorrowing Mother stood and wept. 

A sword pierced her soul, that sighed, 
and mourned, and grieved. 

Oh! how sad, and how afflicted was the 
blessed Mother of an only Son ! 

The loving Mother sorrowed and mourned 
at seeing her divine Son suffer. 

Who is there that would not weep to see 
Jesus' mother in such suffering? 

Who is there that could contemplate the 
Mother and the Son in sorrow, and not 
join his own with theirs ? 

Mary saw Jesus tormented and scourged 
for the sins of his people. 

She saw her sweet Child abandoned by 
all, as he breathed forth his soul and died. 

0 Mother fount of love! make me feel 
the force of sorrow: make me weep with 
thee! 

Make this heart of mine burn with the 
love of Jesus, my God, that so I may con- 
tent his heart. 

Do this, O holy Mother! deeply stamp 
the wounds of the crucified upon my heart. 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER, 403 

Let me share with thee the sufferings of 
thy Son, for it was for me he graciously 
deigned to be wounded and to suffer. 

Make me lovingly weep with thee ; make 
me compassionate with thee our crucified 
Jesus, as long as life shall last. 

This is my desire, — to stand nigh the 
cross with thee, and be a sharer in thy grief. 

Peerless Virgin of virgins! be not dis- 
pleased at my prayer; make me. weep with 
thee. 

Make me to carry the death of Jesus; 
make me a partner of his passion, an adorer 
of his wounds. 

Make me to be wounded with his wounds ; 
make me to be inebriated with the cross 
and blood of thy Son. 

And that I may not suffer the eternal 
flames, let me be defended by thee, O 
Virgin! on the day of judgment. 

O Jesus! when my hour of death comes, 
let me, by thy Mother's aid, come to my 
crown of victory. 

And when my body dies, oh! give to my 
soul the reward of heaven's glory. 



404 



FEASTS OF THE B. V, Mi 



Zhe Seven Colors of tbe Blessefc 
HMrgtn. 

Ube propfoecp of Simeon. 

0 most afflicted Virgin ! I commemorate 
the sorrow "which filled thy heart when on 
presenting thy divine Son in the temple, 
holy Simeon foretold that a sword should 
pierce thy soul, thereby announcing the 
share thou shouidst have in the sufferings 
of Jesus. 

1 most devoutly compassionate thy grief 
on that occasion, and beseech thee, 0 Queen 
of Martyrs! to obtain for me the grace, 
that I may always have before me the 
thought of death, which will preserve me 
from all sin. Hail Mary, etc. 

Ube flight into Eg^pt 

0 most holy and afflicted Virgin ! I com- 
memorate the sorrow which filled thy ma- 
ternal heart when thou didst see thy divine 
Infant persecuted by his own creatures, and 
wast obliged to flee into Egypt to save him 
from the fury of Herod. 

1 most devoutly compassionate thy grief 
on that occasion, and beseech thee, O Queen 
of Martyrs ! to obtain for me the grace to 
avoid all the snares of my enemies on the 
perilous road to heaven. Hail Mary, etc. 



THE SOKKOWFUL MOTHEK. 405 

Jesus %ost in tbe Uemple* 

0 most afflicted Virgin ! I remind thee of 
the sorrow which filled thy maternal heart 
when thou wast separated from thy divine 
Son, who remained for three days absent 
from thee on the journey to Jerusalem. 

1 most devoutly compassionate thy grief 
on that occasion, and beseech thee, O Queen 
of Martyrs! to obtain for me the grace 
never to lose Jesus by sin, but by the help 
of his grace always to remain united to 
him. Hail Mary, etc. 

/Meeting witb Jesus Bearing Ibis Gross* 

0 most afflicted Mother! I remind thee 
of the sorrow which filled thy maternal 
heart when thou didst follow thy dear Son 
to Mount Calvary, and beheld him sinking 
under the weight of the cross. 

1 most devoutly compassionate thy grief 
on that occasion, and beseech thee, 0 Queen 
of Martyrs ! to obtain for me the grace to 
bear patiently whatever cross it shall please 
the Lord to lay upon me. Hail Mary, etc. 

Crucifixion of 3esus* 

0 most blessed and afflicted Virgin! I 

remind thee of the immense grief which 

filled thy maternal heart when thou didst 

stand by the cross of Jesus, and didst wit- 
14 



406 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. fit; 



ness all his torments, and see- him at last 
expire for the sins of the world. 

I most devoutly compassionate thy sorrow 
on that occasion, and beseech thee, 0 Queen 
of Martyrs! to obtain for me from our 
divine Redeemer, that all my passions may 
be nailed to iiis cross, and that fortified 
with his and thy sweet presence, I may close 
my life by a holy death. Hail Mary, etc. 

ilDarp IReceipes 5esus Beafc in 1ber Brms* 

0 most sorrowful Mother ! I remind thee 
of the sorrow which filled thy maternal 
heart when the adorable body of thy divine 
Son was taken down from the cross, and 
laid in thy arms. 

1 most devoutly compassionate thy grief 
on that occasion, and beseech thee to obtain 
for me the grace to receive J esus into my 
heart at my last hour, and that I may enjoy 
his perfect possession in heaven. Hail 
Mary, etc. 

Burial ot Jesus. 

0 most afflicted Virgin ! I commemorate 
the sorrow which filled thy maternal heart 
when the sacred body of Jesus was taken 
from thy arms and laid in the grave. 

1 most devoutly compassionate thy grief 
on that occasion, and beseech thee, O Queen 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER, 407 

of Martyrs! to obtain for me, through the 
sufferings of Jesus, which were the cause of 
all thy Dolors, a sincere sorrow for my 
sins, an ardent love of God, and a tender 
and practical devotion towards thee. Hail 
Mary, etc. 

y. Pray for us, Virgin most sorrowful! 

Iy . That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord Jesus 
Christ ! that the most blessed Virgin Mary, 
thy Mother, may intercede for us before 
the throne of thy mercy, now, and at the 
hour of our death, through whose most 
holy soul, in the hour of thy own passion, 
the sword of sorrows passed. Amen. 

\Dariou0 prater© anb IReflecttons* 

O most afflicted Mother ! Queen of martyrs 
and of sorrows ! now the sword has indeed 
pierced thy soul. With thy Son, thou 
hast been struck, scourged, crowned with 
thorns, nay, even nailed to his cross. 

As the ocean is all bitterness, and has 
not within its bosom a single drop of water 
which is sweet, so also wast thou, O Mary! 
all bitterness during the passion of thy 
beloved: " Great as the sea is thy destruc- 



408 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



tion : a bundle of invrrh is thy beloved to 
thee." 

What do not the words of the Grospel 
reveal to me: "Now there stood by the 
cross of Jesus his mother!" The disciples 
left thee, O crucified Lord ! thy own 
sorrowful Mother did not leave thee, but 
remained with thee to share thy sufferings. 

No grief was ever more bitter than her's, 
because no Son was ever as dear as her Son. 

Never was there a son more worthy of 
love than Jesus; nor a mother who ever 
loved as Mary loved. What sorrow can, 
therefore, be compared with her sorrow? 

Other holy martyrs suffered in their 
bodies; thou, O Mary! didst suffer in thy 
soul, the pains of which are felt as much 
more as the soul is exalted above the body. 

Other holy martyrs suffered but a short 
time; thou, O afflicted Mother! didst suffer 
every moment of thy life, because the 
sufferings of thy beloved were always 
present to thee. 

Other holy martyrs suffered torments 
which the fury of men imposed upon them ; 
thou, O blessed Lady! didst suffer torments 
inflicted by love. 

Other holy martyrs were comforted in 
their sufferings, nay even made cheerful by 
the sweet consolations of (rod ; in thy afflic- 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. 409 



tions, O holy Virgin! thou wast consoled 
by no one: "I looked about whether there 
was one to comfort me; but there was 
none." 

Who can, therefore, ever doubt that the 
martyrdom of Mary was without its equal, 
and that it exceeded the sufferings of all 
the martyrs? 

O most sorrowful Mother ! thou art indeed 
the Queen of Martyrs, and deservest an in- 
finitely greater crown of glory than they; 
because thou didst suffer infinitely more 
than any of them. 

O Queen of Martyrs! by the merits of 
thy sufferings, obtain for me the grace to 
bear, with patience, the trials God sends me. 

Thou and thy Jesus, both innocence 
itself, have carried a far heavier cross ; and 
shall I, a sinner, refuse to carry mine? 

Keep me near thee, oh Mother! in thy 
sufferings, that I may weep with thee — 
that I may weep over my sins and the 
afflictions I have helped to bring upon thee 
and Jesus. 

Blessed art thou, 0 Mary! amongst 
women : blessed because thou hast suffered 
most: blessed because thy sufferings have 
obtained for thee an everlasting joy, ex- 
ceeding the glory of all the Angels and 
Saints. Oh ! assist me to suffer as thou 



410 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



didst, that hereafter I may share thy crown 
of bites. 

1b\mtru 

0 ye who pass along the way 
All joyous, where with grief I pine. 
In pity pause awhile, and say: 
Was ever sorrow like to mine ! 

See hanging here, before my eyes. 
This body, bloodless, bruised and torn, 
Alas! it is my Son who dies. 
Of love deserving-, not of scorn. 

For know this weak and dying man 
Is Son of him who made the earth ; 
And me. before the world began. 
He chose to give him human birth. 

He is my G-od ; and since that night 
When first I saw his infant grace. 
My soul hath feasted on the light. 
The beauty of that heavenly face. 

For he hath chosen me to be 
The loved companion of his heart: 
And ah! how that dear company 
With love transpierced me like a dart ! 

And now behold this loving Son 
Is dying in a woe so great. 
The very stones are moved to mourn 
In sorrow at his piteous state. 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. lit 

Where 'r his failing eyes are bent, 
A friend to help, he seeks in vain; 
All, all on vengeance are intent, 
And eager to increase his pain. 

Eternal Father! God of love! 
Behold thy Son ; ah ! see his woe ! 
Canst thou look down from heaven above, 
And for thy Son no pity show! 

But, no — that Father sees his Son 
Cloth' d with the sins of guilty men ; 
And spares not that beloved one, 
Though dying on his cross of pain. 

My Son ! my Son ! could I at least 
Console thee, in this hour of death! 
Could I but lay thee on my breast, 
And there receive thy parting breath ! 

Alas ! no comfort I impart ; 
Nay rather this my vain regret 
But rends still more thy loving heart, 
And makes thy death more bitter yet. 

Ah, loving souls! love, love that God 
Who, all inflamed with love, expires; 
On you this life he has bestowed ; 
Your love is all that he desires. 



412 



FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



%\tms> of ©ur Xafc\> of Sorrows. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Holy Mary,**) 

Holy Mother of God, 

Mother of our crucified Saviour, 

Mother most sorrowful, 

Mother most tearful, 

Mother most afflicted, 

Mother most forsaken, 

Mother most desolate, 

Mother bereft of thy child, 

Mother transfixed with the sword, 

Mother consumed with grief, 

Mother filled with anguish, 

Mother most sad, 

Fountain of tears, 

Mirror of patience, 

Rock of constancy, 

Anchor of confidence, 

*) Have mercy on us. 
**) Pray for us. 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. 413 



Refuge of the forsaken,*) 
Shield of the oppressed, 
Comfort of the wretched. 
Medicine of the sick, 
Strength of the weak, 
Help of the tempted, 
Harbor of the wretched, 
Allayer of tempests, 
Resource of mourners, 
Consolation of widows, 
Mother of mercy, 
Queen of martyrs, 

Through thy poverty in the stable at Beth- 
lehem,**) 

Through thy pain at the prophecy of Simeon, 

Through thy flight into Egypt, 

Through thy sorrow at the loss of J esus in 

the temple, 
Through thy affliction at the capture of 

Jesus, 

Through thy sorrowful meeting with J esus 

on the way to Calvary, 
Through thy agony at the death of Jesus, 
Through thy dereliction at the burial of 

Jesus, 

Through the tears thou didst shed for thy 
beloved Son, 



*) Pray for us. 

**) We beseech thee, to hear us. 



414 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



Through the wonderful patience with which 

thou didst bear thy sufferings, 
In all our troubles, 
In our sicknesses and pains, 
In our sufferings and anxieties, 
In poverty and misery, 
In temptations, 
At the hour of our death, 
At the fearful judgment, 
Lamb of Grod! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord! 
Lamb of Grod! etc. 
Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 

LET US PRAY. 

Imprint, 0 Lady! thy wounds upon my 
heart and soul, that I may read therein thy 
sorrow and love: thy sorrow, to endure 
every sorrow for Jesus, in union with thee; 
thy love, to despise all earthly love for 
Jesus' sake. 

Conclusion. 

O my Grod and Saviour in the most holy 
Sacrament! graciously hear the prayers 
which I have offered during this hour in 
honor of thy sorrowful Mother. 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. 415 

May she intercede for us, and draw down 
upon us thy mercy. 

Be mindful, O God! of her dolors, when 
trials and afflictions are upon us, and give 
us grace to suffer all things patiently. Let 
the sorrows of Mary plead for us especially 
at the moment of death. 

Regard not our manifold sins, 0 most 
just God! but behold the innocence of the 
blessed Mother of thy Son, Jesus, and 
remember that all her sufferings were 
endured for us poor sinners ; therefore have 
pity on us. 

0 Mary, most sorrowful! pray for us 
sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. 

1 am now called away from thy altar, 
0 Jesus! but will not leave until I have 
received thy blessing. 

Bless me in the goodness of thy most 
sacred heart, and enclose me in the holy 
wounds thereof, secure from sin and temp- 
tation. 

O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 



416 FEASTS OF THE B. V. M. 



O Sacred Heart ! 
Our home lies deep in thee ; 
On earth, thou art an exile's rest, 
In heaven, the glory of the blest, 

0 Sacred Heart! 

0 Sacred Heart ! 
Thou fount of contrite tears : 
Where'er those living "waters flow, 
New life to sinners they bestow, 

O Sacred Heart ! 

0 Sacred Heart! 
Our trust is all in thee ; 
For though earth's night be dark and drear, 
Thou breathest rest where thou art near, 

0 Sacred Heart ! 

0 Sacred Heart ! 
When shades of death shall fall. 
Receive us 'neath thy gentle care. 
And save us from the tempter's snare, 

0 Sacred Heart! 

0 Sacred Heart! 
Lead exiled children home, 
Where we may ever rest near thee, 
In peace and joy eternally, 

0 Sacred Heart ! 



THE SORROWFUL MOTHER. 417 

Commemoration of St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
3^. And let my cry come unto thee. 
Jf. Let us bless the Lord. 
1^. Thanks be to God. 
Y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of (xod ? rest in peace. 
It. Amen. 



jfeasts of St. Joseph. 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
= B. And my month shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O Grod! incline unto my aid. 
1^. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Q-lory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcorattoru 

Come, let us humbly adore Jesus, and 
sing to him our best hymns and can- 
ticles. 

Come, let us in great joy gather around 
his altar, and in loving remembrance cele- 
brate the memory of St. Joseph, the foster- 
father of our Eucharistic Grod. 

Jesus himself honored St. Joseph above 
all men, therefore our praises of this Saint 
must be dear to our Lord and Saviour. 

Come, then, and let us honor Jesus in 
St. Joseph, the first adorer and guardian of 
the Word made flesh. 

Let us unite our praises with those of the 
(418) 



PKAYEBS TO ST. JOSEPH. 419 

Angelic Choirs, saying with a pure and 
devout heart : 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation* 

O glorious St. Joseph! father and pro- 
tector of the faithful ! we bless our mother, 
the Church, for having now, that the world 
is drawing to the close of its existence, 
taught us to confide in thee. 

Many ages passed away, before thy glory 
was made known to the world; but even 
then thou wast one of mankind'' s most 
powerful intercessors. 

Most affectionately didst thou fulfill thy 
office as head of the great human family, 
whereof the Incarnate Word was a member. 

Nations and individuals experienced the 
benefit of thy prayers, but there was not 
the public acknowledgement of thy favors, 
there was not the homage of gratitude which 
is now offered to thee. 

The more perfect knowledge of thy glories, 
and the honoring thee as the protector of 
mankind, — these were reserved for our own 
unhappy times, when the state of the world 



420 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



is such as to require help beyond that which 
was granted to former ages. 

We come, then, before thee, 0 blessed 
Joseph ! to honor the unlimited power of thine 
intercession, and the love thou bearest for 
all the children of the Church, the brethren 
of Jesus. 

Thou, O Mary! art pleased at seeing us 
honor him, whom thou didst so tenderly 
love. Never are our prayers so welcome to 
thee as when they are presented by his hands. 

The union formed by heaven between 
thyself and Joseph will last for all eternity • 
and the unbounded love thou hast for Jesus 
is an additional motive for thee to love him, 
who was the foster-father of thy child, and 
the guardian of thy virginity. 

O Joseph! we also are the children of 
Mary thy spouse, treat us as such, bless us, 
watch over us, and receive the prayers 
which now, more than ever, the Church 
encourages us to present to thee. 

Thou art the "pillar of the world thou 
art one of the foundations whereon it rests ; 
because of thy merits and prayers, our Lord 
has patience with it in spite of the iniquities 
which defile it. 

How truly may we say of these our times i 
"There is now no Saint: truths are decayed 
from among the children of men." 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 



421 



How powerful, then, must not thine in- 
tercession be, to avert the indignation of 
God, and induce him to show us his mercy! 

Grow not weary of thy labors, O thou 
universal protector! The Church of thy 
Jesus comes before thee, beseeching thee to 
persevere in thy task of love. 

Behold this world of ours is now become 
one great volcano of danger by the boasted 
liberty granted to sin and heresy : delay not 
thine aid, but quickly procure for us what 
will give us security and peace. 

Whatever may be our necessities, thou 
art willing and able to assist us. 

We may be the poorest and the least 
among the children of the Church ; — it 
matters not: thou lovest us with all the 
affectionate compassion of a father. What 
a joy is not this to our heart, O Joseph! 

We will, therefore, turn to thee in our 
spiritual wants. We will beg thee to assist 
us in gaining the virtues of which we stand 
in need \ in fighting the battle against the 
enemies of our souls, and in bringing the 
sacrifices which duty requires of us. 

Make us worthy to be called thy children, 
0 thou father of the faithful! 

Nor is thy power limited to what regards 
our eternal welfare. Daily experience shows 
us how readily thou canst procure for us 



422 FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 

the blessing of God upon our temporal 
interests, provided they are in accordance 
with his divine will. 

Hence it is, that we also hope for thy 
protection and aid in what concerns our 
worldly prospects. 

The house of Nazareth was confided to 
thy care ; deign to give council and help to 
theru, that make thee the patron of what 
regards their earthly well-being. 

Glorious Guardian of the holy family! 
the family of Christendom is placed under 
thy special patronage: watch over it in 
these troubled times. 

Hear the prayers of them that seek thine 
aid, when about to chose the companion 
who is to share with them the joys and 
sorrows of this world. 

Maintain between husbands and wives 
that mutual respect, which is the safeguard 
of their fidelity to each other, and obtain 
for them the pledge of heaven's blessings. 

Grant us also, O Joseph! another favor. 
There is one moment of our lives, which is 
the most important of all, since eternity 
depends upon it : it is the moment of death . 

And yet we feel our fear abated by the 
thought that God's mercy has made thee 
the special patron of the dying. 

Thou hast been intrusted with the office 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 423 

of making death happy and holy for those 
who invoke thee. 

To whom could such a prerogative have 
been given more appropriately than to thee, 
0 Joseph ! whose admirable death was one 
of the sublimest spectacles ever witnessed 
by Angels or men; for Jesus and Mary 
were by thy side when thou didst breathe 
forth thy soul. 

Be, then, our helper in that awful hour. 
We hope to have Mary's protection, for we 
daily pray to her that she would aid us at 
the hour of our death ; but we know that it 
pleases Mary if we confide in thee, and that 
where thou art ; she also will be. 

Encouraged by thy fatherly love, 0 
Joseph! we will calmly await our death, 
for if we faithfully have recourse to thee 
during life, thou wilt not fail to take us 
under thy protection in that dreadful hour. 

But thou, O Jesus, child of Joseph! do 
not despise my humble prayers which I 
offer to thee through thy foster-father and 
guardian. 

I know that my prayers are not worthy 
to be heard, therefore I have confided them 
to him. 

For his sake have mercy on us, 0 Grod! 
and forgive us our sins. Turn away thy 
face from the coldness, indifference, and 



424 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



ingratitude of the people. Give us what 
we need for soul and body. 

Behold thy beloved Joseph whom thou 
didst call "Father ?? here on earth. He was 
thy faithful servant and adorer. Even 
before thou didst institute thy most holy 
Sacrament, he adored, in his own house, 
thee, the Host of hosts, the Lamb of God, 
the Word made flesh. 

Remember, O Lord! those most sweet 
moments, when this holy patriarch, with 
a heart overflowing with love, kissed and 
caressed thee, and even at that time averted, 
through his prayers, Grod ? s just indignation 
from mankind. 

He has not ceased to pray for the sinful 
world. Hear, then, his prayer, 0 Lord! if 
mine are not worthy to be heard. 

Holy Joseph, dearest father! 
To thy children's prayer incline, 
Whilst we sing thy joys and sorrows, 
And the glories which are thine. 

How to praise thee, how to thank thee, 
Blessed Saint! we cannot tell; 
Favors countless hast thou given, 
Can we choose but love thee well? 



PBAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 



425 



We have prayed, and thou hast answered ; 
We have asked, and thou hast given. 
Need we marvel? Jesus tells us: 
Joseph has the stores of heaven. 

Near to Jesus, near to Mary, 
And kind father! near to thee, 
Keep us while on earth we wander, 
And in need our helper be. 

One more favor we will ask thee, 
Thou of all canst grant it best ; 
When we die,be thou still near us. 
Bring us safe to endless rest. 

privileges of St Soeepb* 

Great art thou, 0 blessed Joseph! great 
and exalted above all the Saints. 

The Grospel tells us that the Angel Gabriel 
was sent to a Virgin espoused to a man 
whose name was Joseph, of the house of 
David; $nd the Virgin's name was Mary. 

Thou, 0 J oseph ! wast the true and worthy 
spouse of the Mother of Grod ; adorned by 
the Almighty with all the virtues required 
for so glorious a dignity. 

Thou wast a virgin like Mary; chaste 
and pure like Mary; a faithful copy of 
Mary. Thou wast the lily inseparably 
united to the mystical rose. 



426 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



Thou wast the cherub to whom was con- 
fided the keeping of the new terrestiai 
paradise, of the true propitiatory which 
contains the price of the reconciliation of 
heaven with earth. 

Thou wast elected by Grod to become the 
reputed father of his divine Son. "Thy 
father and I have sought thee." u Son! 
why hast thou done so to us? behold , thy 
father and I have sought thee sorrowing. " 

From all eternity, the Eternal Father 
hath willed that thou, 0 blessed Joseph! 
shouldst take his place upon earth. He, in 
some way, communicated to thee his divine 
paternity. 

Thou art the spouse of Mary ; therefore 
also the father of the Lord. 

By this dignity of father, thou art con- 
stituted master of the Saviour, and allowed 
to dispose of him as a father disposes of his 
son. 

Thou, 0 Jesus! art the King of heaven 
and earth, and yet St. Joseph had full 
authority over thee. He had a right to 
command thee, because thou didst volun- 
tarily cede thy liberty to him. 

Thou didst serve St. Joseph for thirty 
years; he employed thee in his workshop, 
and thou didst share his labors and fatigues. 

Jesus obeys St. Joseph! who has evet 



PBAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 



427 



seen the like? "He went down with them, 
and came to Nazareth, and was subject to 
them." 

Mary, the greatest of creatures; Jesus, 
the Lord of the universe: both were subject 
to St. Joseph: to him belongs the govern- 
ment of the family. 

Vfhat an incomparable dignity! what a 
holiness and sanctity! what a justice and 
perfection ! 

Now I can understand why many eminent 
Saints claim, that thou, 0 blessed Joseph ! 
hadst been sanctified from thy mother's 
womb. It was meet that thou shouldst be 
so on account of thy high office. 

The Holy Grhost himself tells us in the 
Grospel that thou didst possess the plenitude 
of all virtues: he calls thee "Just" — the 
first to whom he gave this title. 

How admirably suitable it is! Thou, 0 
blessed Saint ! art just, for grace and sanc- 
tity met and were united in thee even before 
thy birth. 

Thou art just, because Grod gave thee 
sanctity proportioned to the eminence of thy 
dignity, that thou mightest suitably repre- 
sent the Eternal Father upon earth, and be 
worthy of thy immaculate Spouse. 

Thou art just, because thou didst add 
unceasingly to the primitive sanctity with 



428 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



which Grod hath favored thee, and didst 
enrich thyself, each day. with new merits, 
by the exercise of all virtues. 

Thou hadst constantly before thee the 
two models of perfect holiness, Jesus and 
Mary. Couldst thou, 0 Joseph! do other- 
wise than study them always, and retrace 
them in thy actions ! 

I do not wonder, then, that thou art 
considered to surpass all others in sanctity, 
merit, and felicity. 

Thou wast the crown of the patriarchs 
and of the other ancestors of the Messiah ; 
thou didst inherit all their benedictions, 
and didst see them accomplished; their 
prerogatives and their desires were united 
and perfected in thee. 

Jacob was great by the eminence of his 
virtues and piety; but how much greater 
were thine. 0 holy Patriarch! 

Thou wast greater than Xoah and the 
other patriarchs. Thou didst excel them 
all by two privileges : namely as the spouse 
of Mary, and as father of Christ. 

Thou art the crown of the Saints of the 
new testament : blessed among men for the 
same reason that Mary is blessed among 
women. 

Let all the solitaries, all the anchorites, 
all those within and without the cloisters 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 429 

learn of thee, 0 blessed Joseph ! the art of 
leading a heavenly life on earth ; a life of 
contemplation, of silence , of love, and 
union with G-od. 

Who among men has had as lively a faith 
as thou ; as ardent a charity, and as clear 
and extensive a knowledge of the mysteries 
of the redemption? 

St. John and St. Paul were great con- 
templatives: the first because he was per- 
mitted to repose on the heart of Jesus ; the 
second because he was raised to the third 
heaven and there discovered ineffable mys- 
teries. 

But, O glorious Joseph! who can number 
the ecstasies, the secrets with which thou 
hast been favored? 

Thou hadst before thy eyes and in thy 
possession, the true paradise in the person 
of Jesus. How often didst thou have the 
happiness of reposing on his heart and of 
making him repose on thine? 

From thee, even the most perfect should 
learn to direct their flight towards heaven, 
and to contemplate the sun of justice. 

Thou also givest a most sublime example 
for those engaged in the active and apostolic 
life, by the painful labors of thy profession ; 
by thy solicitude for the holy family; by 



•i30 FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 

the instruction, consolation, and the relief 
thou didst procure for thy neighbor, 

Thou art, then, the happy Saint, whose 
life here on earth was most wonderful; 
most perfect ; — a truly heavenly life. 

Such a perfect, heavenly life I would like 
to live, O dear Saint! Help me to imitate 
thy life of prayer and contemplation, com- 
bined with activity and zeal for the welfare 
of others. 

Help me to imitate thy holy "virtues, thy 
love of God and men, thy patience, thy 
chastity, and humility. 

May thy most holy life, 0 St. Joseph! be 
in future my model and example, that I 
may merit to share in the graces which Grod 
has bestowed upon thee, and finally also in 
the glory which is now thine. 

praises of St Sosepb, 

Ever blessed, 0 great St. Joseph ! be thy 
soul, which was adorned with all the virtues 
and gifts of the Holy Ghost. 

Ever blessed be thy intellect, which was 
full of the most sublime knowledge of Grod, 
and enlightened with heavenly revelations. 

Ever blessed be thy memory, which 
always sweetly and fondly remembered 
Jesus and Mary. 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 



431 



Ever blessed be thy will, which was 
always perfectly conformable to the divine 
will. 

Ever blessed be thy eyes, to which it was 
granted to look upon Jesus and Mary. 

Ever blessed be thy ears, which merited 
to hear the sweet words of Jesus and Mary. 

Ever blessed, O happy Joseph! be thy 
saintly face, which was caressed and kissed 
by the Infant Jesus. 

Ever blessed be thy tongue, which con- 
tinually praised God, and was deemed 
worthy to converse with Jesus and Mary. 

Ever blessed be thy lips, which often 
reverently kissed the Infant Jesus. 

Ever blessed be thy neck, to which the 
Infant Jesus clung. 

Ever blessed be thy breast, against which 
thou didst often fondly press the divine 
child. 

Ever blessed, 0 dear St. Joseph! be thy 
hands, with which thou didst clothe, serve, 
and caress Jesus. 

Ever blessed be thy arms, on which thou 
didst tenderly carry the divine Infant. 

Ever blessed be thy most pure heart, with 
which thou didst ardently love Jesus and 
Mary. 

Ever blessed be thy knees, which thou 
didst so frequently bend to adore Jesus. 



432 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



Ever blessed, 0 my father! be thy feet 
for the weary steps which they so often 
took to serve and save Jesus. 

Ever blessed be thy thoughts, words, and 
actions, each and all of which ever tended 
to the service of Jesus and Mary, 

Ever blessed be the tears, which thou 
didst shed, through tender compassion for 
the pains and sufferings of Jesus and Mary. 

Ever blessed be every moment of thy 
life, which were spent for Jesus and Mary. 

Ever blessed be that moment of thy life, 
in which thou didst most sweetly die in the 
arms of Jesus and Mary. 

Ever blessed. 0 glorious St. Joseph! be 
that moment, in which thou didst enter 
into the eternal joys of heaven. 

0 my dear Protector! be thou ever blessed 
by me and by all creatures, for all eternity, 
with all the blessings which the most holy 
Trinity bestowed upon thee: and with all 
the benedictions given thee by Jesus and 
Mary, and by the whole Church, triumphant 
and militant. 

0 thrice holy Joseph! blessed in soul and 
body, in life and death, on earth and in 
heaven, obtain also for me. a poor sinner, 
but nevertheless thy true and faithful client, 
a share in thy blessings, the grace to imitate 
thee, to ardently love and faithfully serve 



PEAYEES TO ST. JOSEPH. 433 



Jesus, Mary and thyself, and especially the 
happiness to die in thy holy arms. 

Intmlgenceb praters* 
1Fn Utonor of tfoe Seven Sorrows an& 
3o$s of St Josepb* 

I. Pure husband of most holy Mary, 
glorious St. Joseph! great was the travail 
and anguish of thy heart when, in sore 
perplexity, thou wast minded to put away 
thy stainless spouse ; but unspeakable was 
thy joy when the Angel revealed to thee 
the high mystery of the Incarnation. 

By this thy sorrow and joy we pray thee, 
comfort our souls now and in their dying 
agony with the sweet consolations of a well 
spent life, and a death like unto thine own, 
in the embrace of Jesus and Mary. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Grlory be to the 
Father, etc. 

II. Thrice happy patriarch, glorious St. 
Joseph! chosen to be the foster-father of 
the Word made man, keen was the pain 
thou didst feel when thou didst see the 
Infant born in abject poverty; but thy pain 
was suddenly changed into heavenly joy 
when upon thee burst the harmony of the 
angel-choirs, and thou didst behold the 
glory of that refulgent night. 



434 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



By this thy sorrow and thy joy we pray 
thee, obtain for us that, when the journey 
of our life is over, we too may pass to that 
blessed land where we shall hear the angel- 
chants, and enjoy the brightness of celestial 
glory. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the 
Father, etc. 

III. O thou who wast ever most obedient 
in fulfilling the law of Gk>d, glorious St. 
Joseph ! when at his circumcision the Infant 
Saviour's precious blood was shed, thy 
heart was pierced through and through; 
but with the name of Jesus came again to 
thee new life and heavenly joy. 

By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain 
for us that, freed in life from the vile yoke 
of sin, we too may die with joy, with the 
sweet name of Jesus in our hearts and on 
our lips. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Grlory be to the 
Father, etc. 

IV. Faithful Saint, who wast admitted 
to take part in man's redemption, glorious 
St. Joseph! Simeon's prophecy of the 
coming woes of Jesus and of Mary filled 
thy soul with agony like death; but thy 
soul was filled with blessedness when he 
foretold salvation and glorious resurrection 
to innumerable souls. 



PRAYERS TO ST, JOSEPH. 



435 



By this thy sorrow and thy joy, help us 
to be of those who, by the merits of Jesus 
and his Virgin-Mother, shall be partakers 
of his glorious resurrection. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the 
Father, etc. 

V. Watchful guardian, bosom friend of 
the incarnate Son of God, glorious St. 
Joseph! how didst thou toil to nurture 
and to serve the Son of the Most High, 
especially in the flight into Egypt ; but far 
greater was thy joy in having with thee 
God himself, and in seeing Egypt's idols 
fall to the earth. 

By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain 
for us to keep aloof from the infernal tyrant, 
quitting all dangerous occasions, that all 
earthly idols may be cast out from our 
hearts, and that, employed in the service 
of Jesus and Mary, we may ever live for 
them alone, and with them calmly die. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the 
Father, etc. 

VI. Angel on earth, glorious St. Joseph ! 
while thou didst marvel at seeing the King 
of heaven obedient to thy bidding, fear of 
the tyrant mingled with thy joy when thou 
didst bring him back from Egypt; but 
reassured by the Angel, thou didst dwell at 



436 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



Nazareth with glad heart, in the sweet 
company of Jesus and Mary, 

By this thy sorrow and thy joy. obtain 
for us that, with heart set free from all 
hurtful fear, we, too, may taste the quiet 
of a tranquil conscience, safely dwelling 
with J esus and Mary, and one day die within 
their loving arms. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the 
Father, etc. 

TIL Pattern of all holiness, glorious 
St. Joseph! without fault of thine, thou 
didst lose the holy Child Jesus, and for 
three days, to thy great sorrow, didst seek 
for him, until, with joy unspeakable, thou 
didst find thy Life among the doctors in 
the temple. 

By this thy sorrow and thy joy. we pray 
thee with all our heart, stand between us 
and danger, that we may never lose Jesus 
by mortal sin; but if. to our shame and 
disgrace, we lose him. may we seek him 
with such ceaseless grief that we may find 
him propitious to us. especially at the hour 
of our death, and thus go to enjoy him in 
heaven, and there with thee sing his divine 
mercy forever. 

Our Father, Hail Mary. GHory be to the 
Father, etc. 



PEAYEES TO ST. JOSEPH. 437 



Ant. Jesus was about thirty years old, 
being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph. 

Y . Pray for us, blessed Joseph! 

1^. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

let us peay. 

Grod, who in thy ineffable providence didst 
vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be 
the husband of thy most holy Mother: 
grant, we beseech thee, that we may be 
made worthy to receive him for our inter- 
cessor in heaven, whom, on earth, we 
venerate as our holy protector, who livest 
and reignest world without end. Amen. 

Dear Gruardian of Mary! 
Dear nurse of her Child! 
Life's ways are full weary, the desert is wild ; 
Bleak sands are all round us ; no home can 
we see : 

Sweet Spouse of our Lady! we lean upon 
thee. 

For thou to the pilgrim art father and guide, 
And Jesus and Mary felt safe by thy side ; 
Ah! blessed St. Joseph! how safe should 
I be, 

Sweet Spouse of our Lady! if thou wert 
with me. 

15 



438 FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



0 blessed St. Joseph! how great was thy 
worth, 

The one chosen shadow of Grod upon earth. 
The father of Jesus ; ah ! when wilt thou be, 
Sweet Spouse of our Lady! a father to me? 

God' chose thee for Jesus and Mary; — wilt 
thou 

Forgive a poor exile for choosing thee now? 
There's no Saint in heaven, St. Joseph! like 
thee ; 

Sweet Spouse of our Lady! 0 deign to 
love me. 



Xitan^ of St 3osepb- 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us, 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

Grod, the Father of heaven,*) 

Grod the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

Grod the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity one Grod, 



*) Have mercy on us. 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 



439 



Holy Mary, spouse of St. Joseph,*) 
St. Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, 
St. Joseph, guardian of the virginity of 
Mary, 

St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus, 

St. Joseph, head of the holy family, 

St. Joseph, honored with the continual 

presence of the Incarnate Word, 
St. Joseph, savior of our Saviour, 
St. Joseph, chosen minister of the councils 

of the Most High, 
St. Joseph, who was present at the birth of 

Christ, 

St. Joseph, who was found worthy to bear 

Jesus in thy arms, 
St. Joseph, who didst, with Mary his mother, 

present Jesus in the temple, 
St. Joseph, who, at the warning of the 

Angel, didst fly with the mother and the 

child into Egypt, 
St. Joseph, who in exile was the greatest 

consolation for Jesus and Mary, 
St. Joseph, who after the death of Herod 

didst return with Jesus and Mary into 

the land of Israel, 
St. Joseph, who didst seek Jesus sorrowing 

when he was lost in the temple, 
St. Joseph, who didst find him with great 

joy after three days, 



*) Pray for us. 



440 FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH, 



St. Joseph, who for many years didst dwell 

with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth, *) 
St. Joseph, who hadst the Lord of lords 

subject to thee, 
St. Joseph, who w T ast the happy witness of 

his hidden life, 
St . Joseph, declared in Scripture a just man, 
St. Joseph, man of perfect obedience, 
St. Joseph, model of charity, 
St. Joseph, lily of chastity, 
St. Joseph, teacher of humility, 
St. Joseph, splendor of modesty, 
St. Joseph, faithful imitator of Jesus and 

Mary, 

St. Joseph, abounding with the gifts of the 

Holy Grhost, 
St. Joseph, patron of the Catholic Church, 
St. Joseph, patron of the interior life, 
St. Joseph, protector of virgins, 
St. Joseph, mirror of married persons, 
St. Joseph, advocate of sinners, 
St. Joseph, comforter of the afflicted, 
St. Joseph, friend of the poor, 
St. Joseph, solace of all who labor, 
St. Joseph, guide of travellers, 
St. Joseph, safety of the ship-wrecked, 
St. Joseph, helper of all who invoke thee, 
St. Joseph, defender of the dying, 



*) Pray for us. 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH* 



441 



St. Joseph, our patron. 
Hear us. 

St. Joseph, our advocate, 

Graciously hear us. 

In our necessities,*) 

In our distress, 

In our temptations, 

In dangers of soul and body, 

In our temporal wants and needs, 

In our spiritual wants and needs, 

In our prayers, 

In living an interior life, 

In detaching our hearts from the pleasures 

of this world, 
In loving our neighbor as ourselves, 
In faithfully serving thy holy spouse, the 

blessed Virgin, 
In preserving holy purity, 
In advancing on the path of perfection, 
In persevering in the service of God to the 

end, 

At the moment of our death, 

Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord ! 
Lamb of God ! etc. 



*) St. Joseph, help us. 



442 



FEASTS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



Have mercy on us, 0 Lord ! 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

y. Pray for us, St. Joseph! 

1^. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

0 G-od, who by an ineffable providence 
didst deign to choose the blessed Joseph to 
be the spouse of thy most blessed Mother, 
grant, we beseech thee, that whilst we 
venerate him on earth as our protector, we 
may merit to have him in heaven as our 
intercessor. 

Remember, 0 most pure spouse of the 
blessed Virgin Mary, my sweet protector, 
St. Joseph ! that no one ever had recourse 
to thy protection, or implored thy aid with- 
out obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, 
in thy goodness, I come before thee and 
humbly supplicate thee. Oh! despise not 
my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer! 
but graciously receive them. Amen. 

Conclusion* 

O my dear Jesus! 0 Child of St. Joseph! 

carressed, loved, nursed and protected by 
him, I beg thee graciously to accept the 



PRAYERS TO ST, JOSEPH. 



443 



prayers which I have offered in honor of 
thy faithful guardian and father. 

May St. Joseph supply by his merits and 
perfections, what has been wanting in my 
devotion. 

Through the intercession of this holy 
patriarch give us, I humbly beseech thee, 
O Lord! all what I have asked, especially 
an unlimited confidence in his powerful 
protection. 

Praise be to thee, 0 Jesus! for the love 
with which thou didst inspire me for thy 
holy foster-father. Increase, I pray thee, 
this love in me and in all thy children. 

Deign to give us the grace to imitate 
St. Joseph, and to learn from him how to 
serve thee and thy blessed Mother ; how to 
live a life of prayer combined with labor ; a 
life of retirement, yet useful to our neighbor, 
and to die as dear St. Joseph died, in thine 
and thy Mother's arm. 

Before I depart from this holy place, help 
me, O my heavenly protector! O silent 
adorer of the divine Child ! to greet him as 
thou hast so often greeted him, and to say 
with a heart full of love and humble devo- 
tion: 

Praised and adored be without end! 
Jesus, our Lord, in the most blessed 
Sacrament ! 



444 FEASTS OF ST, JOSEPH, 



Jesus, my God, my all! 
How can I love thee as I ought? 
And how revere this "wondrous gift, 
So far surpassing hope or thought? 
Sweet Sacrament! we thee adore; 
Oh make us love thee more and more ! 

Had I but Mary's sinless heart, 
To love thee as my dearest King! 
Oh with what bursts of fervent praise, 
Thy goodness, Jesus! would I sing. 
Sweet Sacrament! we thee adore; 
Oh make us love thee more and more ! 

Oh see within a creature's hand, 
The vast Creator deigns to be 
Reposing infant-like, as though 
On Joseph's arm or Mary's knee. 
Sweet Sacrament ! we thee adore ; 
Oh make us love thee more and more! 

Thy body, soul, Grodhead, all — 

0 mystery of love divine ! 

1 cannot compass all I have. 

For all thou hast and art are mine. 
Sweet Sacrament! we thee adore; 
Oh make us love thee more and more! 



PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH. 445 



Commemoration of the blessed Virgin. 

'f. 0 Lord ! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my cry come unto thee, 

J. Let us bless the Lord ! 

1^. Thanks be to God. 

Jf . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 

Iy. Amen. 



jFeasts of tbe Hnoels. 



Jf. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
3^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

J '. 0 G-od! inchne unto my aid. 
Iy. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Sboratioru 

Come, let us adore our Lord Jesus Christ. 

who is really and truly present in the 
most blessed Sacrament. 

Come, let us pay our homage to the G-od- 
Man, whom the Angels continually praise 
and glorify in his Sacrament of Love. 

He is the Lord of the heavenly choirs, 
and is always surrounded and served by 
them. 

Day and night, the celestial Spirits are 
gathered around the altar of the Lord, and 
sing to him their canticles. 

Come, then, and let us praise our Lord in 
his Angels. Let us thank them for their 
(446) 



PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 447 



love to our Eucharistic God, and let us ask 
for a share in their prayers. 

With the Angels let us sing joyfully too 
Jesus in the sacred Host : 

Holy , holy , holy, Lord God of Hosts ! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparation* 

0 ye holy Angels of God! what men 
neglect to do, is your most loving task and 
perpetual occupation. 

Your life is devoted to the adoration of 
the Most High: here on earth, before the 
altar; and in heaven, before the throne of 
the Almighty. 

0 holy Angels! you are the true 
adorers of the triune God, and of the God- 
made man, who is dwelling amongst us; 
you continuously carry on an admirable 
perpetual adoration. 

To you I come, O heavenly Spirits! and 
complain of the coldness, the ingratitude, 
and offences of which men make themselves 
guilty m the presence of our loving Saviour 
and Redeemer. 

Daily you see our disrespectful behavior 
towards the blessed Sacrament, and how 



448 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



we forget the presence of our divine guest 
whom you love so ardently; and in your 
sorrow you cover your faces, and shed tears 
of grief. 

O ye Angels of the Lord ! obtain for me 
the grace to weep with you over my own 
sins and those of all mankind. 

Make intercession for us with your Lord 
and Master, that he may touch our cold 
hearts and inflame them with a portion of 
that love wherewith you are burning, 

Graciously ask the Most High for pardon 
and mercy, and what is wanting in our 
disposition for obtaining his mercy, do you 
lovingly supply. 

Do you take, before the Sacrament of 
Love, the place especially of those heartless 
men who have no love for his eternal love, 
no gratitude for our God and Redeemer, 
and no time for his adoration and service. 

In satisfaction for my sins and offences 
and those of all mankind, I now beg to be 
found worthy to spend this hour in your 
society, and to share in your humble adora- 
tion, repeating with you: 

O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 



PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 



449 



Praise those ministers celestial 
Whom the dread Father chose, 
To be the guardians of our nature frail 
Against our scheming foes. 

For, since that from his glory in the skies 
The apostate Angel fell, 
Burning with envy, evermore he tries 
To down our souls in hell. 

Then hither, watchful Spirit ! bend thy wing, 
Our country 7 s guardian blest! 
Avert her threatening ills, expel each thing 
That hindereth her rest. 

Praise to the glorious Trinity, whose strength 

This mighty fabric sways ; 

Whose glory spreads beyond the utmost 

length 
Of everlasting days. 

£be ©ffice of tbe Hugeis, 

Let us now consider how great the love 
of Grod is for us, and how solicitous he is 
for our welfare. 

He makes his Angels our guardians, and 
his ministers our servants. 

He says: "Behold! I will send my Angel 
who shall go before thee, and keep thee in 



450 FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



thy journey, and bring thee into the place 
that I have prepared/ 7 

"Take notice of him, and hear his voice, 
and do not think hira one to be contemned, 
for he will not forgive when thou hast 
sinned, and my name is in him. ?? 

"But if thou wilt hear his voice, and do 
all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thy 
enemies, and will afflict them that afflict 
thee, and my Angel shall go before thee." 

O good God ! how thankful should we be 
to thee, that thou hast given thy Angels 
charge over us, to keep us in all our ways. 

What is man that thou art mindful of 
him, or the son of man that thou visitest 
him? 

0 ye holy Angels ! how can we ever repay 
you for your care and protection ! 

The good God gave a command in our 
behalf. He commanded you, O most beau- 
tiful Spirits ! who are adorned with all gifts 
of grace and nature, to watch over us and 
to protect us. 

How faithfully you have complied with 
his command, O holy Angels! 

When the Israelites went forth from 
Egypt, you were with them ; you brought 
them, by the will of God, into the land of 
promise, and defended them from their 
enemies. 



PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 



451 



You were with all the chosen ones of the 
Almighty: with Moses, Aaron, Elias, David, 
and thousand others, and most zealously 
kept them from harm and evil. 

You punished the evil doers and the 
enemies of God, and those that stretched 
out their hands towards the servants of Grod. 

You saved Daniel out of the lion's den, 
and Tobias out of the mouth of the fish 
that assaulted him. 

You were seen by Jacob ascending and 
descending on the ladder which reached 
from the earth to heaven. 

And we know that you have not ceased 
to serve the children of men. Our Lord 
assures us of this ; our holy Church teaches 
it, and our daily experience proves it. 

O holy Arigel-Gruardian ! if thou hadst 
not protected me, what would have become 
of me? 

Into how many sins would I have fallen, 
if thou hadst not been at my side? 

From how many dangers didst thou save 
me; to how much good encourage me? 

But, O ye holy Angels! this is not all 
that you do for us. 

You are always standing before the throne 
of the Almighty, praying and interceding 
for us. 

You unceasingly carry our prayers and 



452 



FEASTS OF THE -ANGELS. 



good works to the triune God, and unite 
them to your fervent petitions, thus making 
them pleasing to the divine Majesty. 

O what a wonderful sight meets me when 
my spirit carries me to your celestial habi- 
tation, and I there behold your angelic 
assembly ! 

St. John saw you with the golden censers, 
and the trumpets, and the harps whereon 
you bring forth your sweet melodies in 
honor of the Holy One. 

"And I saw," he says, "four Angels 
standing on the four corners of the earth, 
holding the four winds of the earth, that 
they should not blow upon the earth, nor 
upon the sea, nor on any tree . . . And I 
saw seven Angels standing in the presence 
of God. And all the Angels stood round 
about the throne, and they fell down before 
the throne upon their faces and adored God, 
saying: Amen! Benediction and glory; 
and wisdom and thanksgiving; honor and 
power, and strength to our God for ever 
and ever. Amen . 7 7 

This, then, is your heavenly song, O ye 
holy Angels ! the praise and benediction of 
God, your eternal occupation. 

Divided into those nine, mysterious choirs, 
you stand in his court, ten thousand times 
a hundred thousand, offering the incense 



PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 453 



to the Almighty, and pouring forth your 
tuneful praises on your sweet-sounding 
harps. 

O remember us, 0 ye heavenly Spirits! 
and whilst enjoying your life of bliss, be 
mindful of us exiled in this vale of tears. 

Come to our assistance ; help us to over- 
come your adversaries, the devils, and 
obtain for us the victory over our own 
flesh, and frail human nature, that we may 
share your glory hereafter. 

praters of tbe Cburcb anb tbe 
Hngelic Grown* 

1fn IHonor of tbe ©uar&ian^Bngels* 

0 God! who, in thy unspeakable provi- 
dence, vouchsafest to send thy Angels to 
keep guard over us : grant unto thy suppli- 
cants that we may be continually defended 
by their protection, and rejoice eternally in 
their society. 

tn Honor of St flMcbael* 

0 G-od! who didst render blessed Michael, 
thy Archangel, victorious over the proud 
Lucifer, and all the wicked spirits, we be- 
seech thee, that combating under the cross, 
and ever adopting his motto "who is like 
Grod," we may be victorious over all our 



454 FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



enemies, and, delivered from all impedi- 
ments, regulate our lives according to thy 
will and commandments. 

1Tn SHonor of St Gabriel* 

0 God! the lover of the salvation of 
mankind who didst commission blessed 
Grabriel, assisting before thy throne, to 
announce to the ever-glorious Virgin the 
mystery of thy blessed Son's becoming 
man, we beseech thee, that recurring to 
his intercession, we may be succored in all 
our wants, spiritual and temporal. 

1Tn Ittonor of St IRapbaet 

O Grod! who, in thy ineffable goodness, 
hast rendered blessed Raphael the conductor 
of thy faithful in their journeys, we humbly 
implore thee that we may be conducted by 
him in the way of salvation, and experience 
his help in the maladies of our souls. 
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Ube Hngeltc Crown* 

1. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the heavenly choir of the Seraphim, 
may it please Grod to make us worthy to 
receive into our hearts the fire of his perfect 
charity. Hail Mary. 

2. By the intercession of St. Michael 



PKAYEKS TO THE ANGELS. 



455 



and the heavenly choirs of the Cherubim, 
may God, in his good pleasure, grant us 
grace to abandon the ways of sip., and follow 
the faith of Christian perfection. Hail Mary. 

3. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the sacred choir of the Thrones, may 
it please God to infuse into our hearts the 
spirit of true and sincere humility. Hail 
Mary. 

4. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the heavenly choir of Dominations, 
may it please God to grant us grace to have 
dominion over our senses, and to correct 
our depraved passions. Hail Mary. 

5. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the heavenly choir of Powers, may God 
vouchsafe to keep our souls from the wiles 
and temptations of the devil. Hail Mary. 

6. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the choir of the admirable heavenly 
Virtues, may it please God to keep us from 
falling into temptations, and may he deliver 
us from evil. Hail Mary. 

7. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the heavenly choir of Principalities, 
may it please God to fill our souls with the 
spirit of true and sincere obedience. Hail 
Mary. 

8. By the intercession of St. Michael 
and the heavenly choir of Archangels, may 



456 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



it please Grod to grant us the gift of perse- 
verance in the faith and in all good works, 
that we ma-jr thereby be enabled to obtain 
the glory of paradise. Hail Mary. 

9. By the intercession of St. Michael and 
the heavenly choir of all the Angels, may 
God vouchsafe to grant us their guardian- 
ship through this mortal life, and after death 
a happy entrance into the everlasting glory 
of heaven. Hail Mary. 

Jpra^ers to tbe <5uarfc>tan*Hngel. 

0 most holy Angel of Grod! appointed by 
him to be my guardian. I give thee thanks 
for all the benefits which thou hast ever 
bestowed on me in body and soul. 

1 praise and glorify thee that thou dost 
condescend to assist me, all miserable and 
worthless as I am, with such patient fidelity, 
and to defend me against all the assaults of 
my enemies. 

Blessed be the hour in which thou wast 
assigned me for my guardian, my defender, 
and my patron. 

Blessed be all thy love and care for me, 
wherewith thou dost unceasingly further 
my salvation. 

In acknowledgment of all thy loving 
ministries to me from my youth up, I offer 
thee myself, body and soul, beseeching thee 



PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 457 



to forgive me for having so often striven 
against thy holy inspirations ; and saddened 
thee, my nearest and dearest friend. 

I promise thee for the future obedience 
and gratitude. I recommend myself anew 
to thy care and fidelity, and pray thee to be 
always my guard against the attacks of the 
enemy. 

Angel of Grod, my guardian dear! to' 
whom his love commits me here; ever be 
at my side, to light and guard, to rule hnd 
guide. 

But also to you, 0 holy Angels! who are 
the guardians of my fellow-creatures, I 
direct my prayers, begging you to permit 
me to address you in behalf of your clients, 
especially those who are ungrateful to you. 

O Angels of those happy infants, who, as 
yet, are without spot before Grod, preserve 
their holy innocence, I earnestly conjure 
you. 

Implant in their hearts the seeds of piety, 
of the love of God, of purity, and all other 
virtues, that they may grow up to be the 
joy of their parents, and the consolation of 
our holy mother the Church. 

Above all, I beseech you, let none of 
your little charges die without the grace* of 
holy baptism; and if Grod, in his inscrutable 
wisdom, should have resolved their early 



458 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



departure from this vale of tears, stir up 
their parents or others to hasten their holy 
baptism. 

Angels of the young people, of those who 
are exposed to so many dangers, conduct 
them safely through their temptations and 
the stormy SQa of this life. 

Assist them when their and your enemies, 
the evil spirits, or the allurement of this 
world, or their own flesh should urge them 
to forbidden actions; inspire them, at such 
moments, with the holy fear of Grod and 
his terrible judgments, and keep them on 
the path of virtue. 

Angels of parents, and of those who are 
engaged in the instruction of youth, animate 
them with your zeal and love. 

Obtain for them the necessary patience ; 
frequently remind them of the responsibility 
of their holy task: of the value of souls, the 
temporal and eternal welfare of which is 
greatly in their hands ; in one word', make 
them worthy and successful co-operators 
with you, the invisible guardians of their 
young charges. 

O Angel of the clergy, whose office it is 
to represent you here on earth; to take 
your place at the altars, in the service of 
the Almighty, in sanctifying souls and 
conducting them safely to the shores of 



PRAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 459 

eternity: be mindful how greatly they need 
your help and assistance in order to discharge 
worthily the duties of their sacred calling. 

Be, therefore, always at their side; obtain 
for them all the graces they need for their 
own sanctification and that of others ; purify 
their intentions and actions in the fire of 
love which animates you, that they may thus 
save themselves and their fellow-creatures. 

Angels of religious, who, by their holy 
vows, are called, on earth to imitate your 
pure and holy life, in detaching their hearts 
from all earthly affections, in living in 
purity and chastity ; who should ever be as 
ready to obey their superiors, as you are to 
obey the commands of your Creator, and 
who should always stand with you before 
the throne of the Almighty, praising and 
glorifying him: lead them all, I pray you, 
to that perfection which they have promised. 
Do not permit their zeal to relax ; their love 
to get cold; but keep ever alive in them 
that holy fervor with which they dedicated 
themselves to Grod. 

Angels of sinners, of heretics and unbe- 
lievers, of those unhappy souls that are in 
the darkness of death, separated from Grod, 
and in danger of being separated from him 
for all eternity, I conjure you, do not cease 
to watch over these unfortunate creatures, 



460 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



to pray for them, and to move their hearts 
by your gentle whisperings; do not rest 
until you have brought them back to their 
Grod and Saviour 

Angels of those , who are now struggling 
in the agonies of death, and are soon to 
appear before the judgment-seat of Grod to 
receive their sentence , either of everlasting 
bliss or eternal woe ; you know how much 
there depends on the last moments of this 
life, and how the evil spirits endeavor at 
that time to draw the departing soul to hell. 

O good Angels! Come to the assistance 
of these souls, snatch them from the hands 
of the evil one, take them into your own 
loving arms, and conduct them safely to 
the throne of Grod, there to adore him with 
you for all eternity. 

praters to 3t« fHMcbael, 

tbe Guarfctan Bngel of tbe Gburcb, ant) 
ot tbe Souls Departing. 

How beautiful art thou, O glorious St. 
Michael! in thy heavenly armor, giving 
glory to Grod whose enemy thou overcamest. 

Thy humble and fervent eye is fixed on 
the throne of the Almighty, whose rights 
thou didst defend, and who gave thee the 
victory. 



PBAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 



461 



Thy sublime cry: a Who is like unto 
Grod?" roused the faithful legions and 
became thy name and thy crown. It will 
remind us, for all eternity, of thy fidelity 
to our Creator, and thy triumph over the 
dragon. Meanwhile we enjoy thy loving- 
protection ; we are thy happy clients. 

Guardian Angel of the holy Church ! now 
is the time for thee to exert all the might of 
thy arm. Satan is furious in his efforts 
against the noble spouse of thy Master; 
brandish thy bright sword and give battle 
to this implacable enemy, 

The Vicar of Christ is a prisoner within 
the walls of his own palace ; in many states, 
the Church is deprived of her most sacred 
rights, and the faithful are persecuted. 

Is it that the reign of the Man of Sin is 
about to be proclaimed on the earth? Are 
we near that last day, when thou art to 
exercise, in the name of the Sovereign 
Judge, the terrible office of separating the 
goats from the sheep? 

If this earth is still to exist ; if the mission 
of the Church is not yet completed; is it 
not time for thee, O Michael! to show the 
dragon of hell that he may not, with im- 
punity, insult on this earth the Grod who 
created and redeemed it ? 

The torrent of error and crime is unceas- 



462 FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 

ingly dragging the world to the brink of 
the precipice : save it, 0 glorious Archangel ! 
by confounding the dark plots which are 
laid for its destruction. 

Thou, 0 St. Michael! art also the pro- 
tector of our souls in their passage from 
time into eternity. 

During this present life, thine eye is upon 
our wants and thine ear open to our prayers. 
Though awed by the brightness of thy 
glory, we love thee, dear Prince of heaven! 
and we live happy and contented beneath 
the shadow of thy wings. 

In a few days, or, at most, years, our 
holy mother, the Church will perform her 
last sacred rites over our lifeless remains; 
she will pray for us %, that we may be 
delivered from the lioms mouth, and that 
the standard-bearer, St. Michael, may bring 
us into the holy light." 

Watch over us now, O holy Angel! lest 
we should then not deserve thy protection. 
The dragon is ever threatening us ; he makes 
no secret of his wish to devour us. Teach 
us, O Michael! to repeat thy beautiful 
words: "Who is like unto God." 

Pray for us, that we, like thee, may love 
our Lord and Master: then we, too, shall 
be invincible. Satan cannot make headway 



PKAYEKS TO THE ANGELS. 463 



against a creature that is filled with the 
love of the great God. 

This God created thee, O holy Archangel ! 
and thou lovest him as thy Creator ; but as 
to us, he not only created, but also redeemed 
us; yea, and at the price of his own blood! 
What, then, should be the intensity of our 
love for him ! 

O St. Michael! strengthen this love in 
our hearts ; and since we are fighting under 
thy leadership, guide us; let thy look give 
us courage ; ward off from us the blows of 
the enemy's sword. 

We venture to hope that thou wilt be pres- 
ent at our last moments. In return for our 
tender devotion towards thee, deign to keep 
guard round our death-bed, and cover it 
with thy shield. If the dragon see the flash 
of thy sword, he will not dare to come near 
us. 

May our soul, when leaving the body," 
throw herself with affection into thine arms. 
Cast her not from thee, O holy Archangel! 
when she seeks to cling to thee ; carry her 
to the judgment-seat ; take her beneath thy 
wings ; calm her fears ; and may the Lord, 
thy Master, bid thee bear her speedily to 
the kingdom of eternal bliss. 



464 FEASTS OF THE ANGELS, 

Holy God ! we praise thy name ; 
Lord of all ! we bow before thee ; 
All on earth thy sceptre claim, 
All in heaven above adore thee ; 
Infinite thy vast domain. 
Everlasting is thy reign. 

Hark ! the loud celestial hymn — 

Angel choirs above are raising : 

Cherubim and Seraphim, 

In unceasing chorus praising. 

Fill the heavens with sweet accord: 

Holy, holy, holy Lord! 

Spare thy people, Lord! we pray, 
By a thousand snares surrounded ; 
Keep us without sin to day, 
Never let us be confounded: 
Lo ! I put my trust in thee. 
Never, Lord! abandon me. 

Xitan$ of tbe Hol$ angels. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us, 
Lord, have mercy on us, 



PBAYEKS TO THE ANGELS. 465 

Christ, hear us, 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Holy Mary, queen of Angels,**) 

St. Michael, who didst drive from heaven 

Lucifer and his followers, 
St. Michael, who wast ever the defender of 

the people of God, 
St. Michael, who dost carry the souls of 

the faithful to heaven, 
St. Gabriel, who didst expound to Daniel 

the heavenly vision about the future 

Redeemer, 

St. Gabriel, who didst foretell to Zachary 

the birth and ministry of John the Baptist, 
St. Gabriel, who didst announce to Mary 

the Incarnation of the divine Word, 
St. Raphael, who didst lead Tobias safe 

through his journey, 
St. Raphael, who didst deliver Sara from 

the evil spirits, 
St. Raphael, who didst restore sight to 

Tobias the elder, 
All ye holy Angels, who stand around the 

lofty throne of God, 



*) Have mercy on us. 
**) Pray for us. 



466 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



All ye holy Angels, who always behold the 
face of our Father who is in heaven,*) 

All ye holy Angels, who sing to him con- 
tinually: Holy, holy, holy, 

All ye holy Angels, who are the messengers 
of heavenly things to men, 

All ye holy Angels, who art set over king- 
doms and provinces, 

All ye holy Angels, who have been appointed 
by Grod to be our guardians, 

All ye holy Angels, who struck the Sodo- 
mites with blindness, 

All ye holy Angels, who descended and 
ascended on the ladder of Jacob. 

All ye holy Angels, who delivered the divine 
law to Moses on Mount Sinai, 

All ye holy Angels, who brought good 
tidings when Christ was born, 

All ye holy Angels, who ministered to Christ 
in the desert, 

All ye holy Angels, who comforted Christ 
in his agony, 

All ye holy Angels, who sat in white gar- 
ments at the sepulchre of our Lord, 

All ye holy Angels, who appeared to the 
disciples at the time of the ascension of 
our Lord, 

All ye holy Angels, who shall go before our 



*) Pray for us. 



PRAT EES TO THE ANGELS. 



467 



Lord bearing the standard of the cross, 

when he comet h to judgment,*) 
All ye holy Angels, who shall gather to- 
gether the elect at the end of the world, 
All ye holy Angels, who shall separate the 

wicked from among the just, 
All ye holy Angels, who offer to God the 

prayers of those that pray, 
All ye holy Angels, who, in our behalf, 

perform signs and wonders, 
All ye holy Angels, who have often put to 

flight armies of enemies, 
All ye holy Angels, who have often delivered 

God's servants from prison, and other 

perils of this life, 
All ye holy Angels, who have often consoled 

the holy martyrs in their torments, 
All ye holy Angels, who rejoice over every 

sinner doing penance, 
All ye holy Angels, who are our monitors, 
All ye holy Angels, who are our councilors, 
All ye holy Angels, who are our intercessors, 
All ye holy Angels, who are the witnesses 

of all our actions, 
All ye holy Angels, who enlighten us in 

our doubts, 
All ye holy Angels, who comfort us in our 

troubles, 

All ye holy Angels, who help us in our needs, 



*) Pray for us. 



468 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



All ye holy Angels, who assist us at the 

hour of death, *) 
Lamb of God! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of G-od! etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Have mercy on us, O Lord! 

y. Bless the Lord, all ye Angels! 

fyi Bless the Lord, all ye Hosts! 

y. He has given his Angels charge con- 
cerning thee. 

Iy. In the sight of the Angels, I will sing 
unto thee, O my God! 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 

LET US PEAY. 

O God! who dispensest the services of 
Angels and men in a wonderful order: 
mercifully grant that our life may be pro- 
tected on earth by those who always do 
thee sendee in heaven. Through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Conclusion* 

O ye holy Angels of God! 0 my dear 
Guardian- Angel! take, I humbly beseech 



*) Pray for us. 



PKAYERS TO THE ANGELS. 469 

you, to the throne of the Almighty the 
prayers I have said during this hour, and 
ask him to graciously accept them. 

O blessed Spirits! look compassionately 
down upon me, and be pleased with the 
devotion I have performed in your honor. 

Continue to watch over me; to rule, 
guide, and protect me, and do not permit 
that I should ever grievously offend God, 
our common Father and Creator. 

In the time of temptation inspire me with 
the holy fear of God, and drive from me 
the evil spirits, that are ever intent upon 
drawing me down to hell. 

And when I have to leave this holy 
temple, take, I implore you, my place before 
the altar, and adore God for me. 

With you, I humbly greet Jesus in the 
tabernacle once more, and say from my 
heart : 

Praised and adored be without end : 
Jesus, our Lord, in the most blessed 
Sacrament ! 

My God ! my Lord ! in thine own place 
I kneel before thy sacred face, 
That face which once for me on high 
Hung white in death beneath the sky ; 

16 



470 



FEASTS OF THE ANGELS. 



And hail thee, King, and Lord, and Love! 
My heaven on earth, my all above. 

0 Love supreme ! O Love divine ! 
Who stoopest low to make us thine. 

0 Jesus! God and Master ! pent 
Within this gracious Sacrament, 

1 love thee, praise thee, thank and bless 
Thy Godhead in thy lowliness. 

For me made low ; for me the Lord 

Of heaven, the uncreated Word 

Of God, doth condescend to dwell 

By night and day within this cell. 

Oh! break, proud heart! such love to see 

Eevealed in such humility. 

My God ! my Jesus ! thou hast done 
All that thou canst to make me one 
Within thine own self. What need I more? 
What grace is left me to implore! 
Bought with thy blood, for me outpoured, 
Fed with the body of my Lord. 

Yet, ah! my Jesus, kind and meek, 
One other grace I still must seek : 
That all this love and all this pain 
May not be felt and borne in vain, 
But that thy love may win my love, 
And make me thine in heaven above. 



PRAYERS OF THE ANGELS. 471 



Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

fy. And let my cry come unto thee. 

y. Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 
y m May the souls of the faithful departed , 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
^. Amen. 



leasts of the Saints 



y. O Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1^. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O God! incline unto my aid. 

O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

adoration. 

QOME, let us adore the most holy Sacra- 
ment! 

Let us adore Jesus, who is really and 
truly present in the blessed Eucharist. 

Come, let us pay him the homage of our 
hearts, for he is the Lord of lords, the King 
of kings ; the Ruler of mankind, the Crown 
of the Saints. 

The entire multitude of Saints is gathered 
around his throne, and is ever praising and 
adoring him. 

Come, let us honor the Lord in his Saints, 
and the Saints as the friends and servants 
of the Lord. 

(472) 



PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS. 



473 



Come, let us unite our adoration with 
their holy prayers, and say most fervently: 
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts ! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatiom 

What a great consolation it is for us, O 
Lord! that thou hast made thy Saints our 
helpers and intercessors. 

They lived a life most pleasing to thee 
and died in thy holy friendship. They are 
now united with thee. Gathered around 
thy throne, they are praying for us unceas- 
ingly, and are ever ready to assist us in the 
afflictions and temptations of this life. 

O Lord! be pleased to hear their prayers, 
and for their sake forgive us our sins and 
offenses. 

We know that we are not worthy to find 
favor in thy eyes. We are an unclean 
generation, and a worldly people. Our 
hearts are with the things of this earth, and 
scarcely ever do we rise above the heavens. 

But thy ministers, O God! thy Saints, 
are pure and holy, inflamed with thy love, 
and ever intent on serving thee. 

Do, then, O ye Saints! make intercession 
for us. Offer to God your fervent prayers 



474 



FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



and petitions ; all you have done and suffered 
for him during your earthly life. 

O dear Saints! in you we put our trust. 
You are able to obtain for us forgiveness 
and mercy; grace and assistance. 

You, who have experienced the dangers of 
this life, pray for us that Grod may graciously 
attend to our needs, that, with his help, we 
may turn from our evil ways, and return to 
the path of justice. 

Giver of life — eternal Grod! 
Thy own redeemed defend ; 
Mother of grace! thy children save, 
And help them to the end. 

Ye thousand, thousand Angel Hosts! 
Assist us in our needs : 
Ye Patriarchs, with the Prophet choir, 
For our forgiveness plead. 

Heralds of Christ ! and thou who still 
Dost heaven's dread keys retain! 
Ye glorious Apostles all! 
Unloose our guilty chain. 

Army of Martyrs ! holy Priests ! 
In beauteous array ; 
Ye happy troops of Virgins chaste ! 
Wash all our stains away. 



PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS. 



475 



All ye, who high above the stars 
In heavenly glory reign ! 
May we, through your blest prayers, 
The gifts of endless life obtain. 

Praise, honor, to the Father be, 
Praise to his only Son ; 
Praise to the Spirit Paraclete, 
While endless ages run. 

praises of tbe Saints, 

O ye faithful friends of God ! most brilliant 
luminaries of earth! stars of fairest light! 
I joyfully celebrate your combats, whereby 
you did destroy the powers of hell and the 
kingdom of Satan. 

You were the true followers of our God- 
made-man ; the sweet sounding harp of the 
Holy Ghost, resplendent with the knowledge 
of divine truths, the inspired ministers of 
God's mysteries. 

You .were soldiers most invincible in 
battle, and immovable as a tower. You 
went through the great tribulation, and 
passed unhurt through fire and water. 

Imitating your Lord, you cheerfully and 
willingly delivered yourselves up to the 
battle, and gained the victory over Satan, 
the world, and your own flesh. 

Decked with a brilliant crown ; beautiful 



476 



FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



with a royal diadem and sceptre, and clad 
with the robe of immortality, you now reign 
in heaven with the King of the Angelic 
Hosts. You sowed in much weeping, but 
reaped in great joy. 

Come, then, all ye people! and let us sing 
the praises and celebrate the memory of 
these glorious champions. 

You, O Saints of Glod! can truly say with 
the Apostle: "I have finished my course." 
You have lived a most holy life ; you have 
died a most holy death ; your crown is now 
immortality. 

Like a light from smoke ; like a rose from 
the midst of briars, so did you rise from the 
midst of corruption and wickedness. 

But w r ho can worthily praise you, 0 
soldiers of Christ? Is there, in the wide 
world, a poet who can write an ode suffi- 
ciently immortal wherewith to honor you? 

O Saints! illustrious examples of all that 
is noble! you were poor in earthly; goods, 
but most rich in virtue and wisdom; and 
with the riches of your temperance, forti- 
tude, piety, justice, and prudence, you 
ascended into heaven. 

Bravely despising the vain grandeurs of 
this short, mournful, and miserable life — 
so replete with every evil — your ambition 
was for heaven alone. 



PRAYEBS TO THE SAINTS. 



477 



And heaven alone is able to enrich you 
with all good things; reward your holy 
lives ; and recompense your sublime virtues. 

Joys of earth, vanities of dress, beauty 
of body, none had charms for you. To 
reduce your body to subjection; to live a 
retired and penitential life ; to atone for the 
sins of others was all you desired on this 
earth. 

You had compassion on all that were 
suffering, no matter where they might be, 
or what their misfortune. Your sympathy 
was ever ready for them that were a prey 
to care. 

Illuminated with the rays of the great 
Light, you did shine in the darkness of 
this world as magnificent stars, and did 
light up and warm up your fellow-creatures. 

O wondrous prodigy ! These servants of 
Grod were as lambs in the midst of wolves, 
but remained unhurt by them, and feared 
them not. Yea, they turned them, that 
were wild beasts, into lambs. 

Such is the power of the sanctity and 
virtue; of the living faith and grace, that 
was poured out over these Saints and 
attracted all men. 

They were in the world as a well of living- 
waters, whence all might draw wisdom. We 
have received of the streams that flowed 



478 



FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



from this well ; we have drunk of its mirac- 
ulous Sowings. We have been edified by 
the example of these servants of Christ. 

Fervently did you, 0 imitators of our 
Lord! take up the yoke of his Gospel, and 
the light of your holy deeds was seen to the 
ends of the earth. 

You have put to flight the ranks of the 
Lord's enemies, and courageously destroyed 
them with the sword of the Holy Spirit. 

Most wisely have you shunned the dangers 
and snares of the flesh; renounced all 
earthly things, and ascended the mount of 
virtues. 

You have filled up, in your flesh, those 
things, that are wanting of the sufferings of 
Christ ; — you have washed your robes and 
have made them white in the blood of the 
Lamb, and in your own blood. 

You have humbled yourselves ; now you 
are exalted. You have borne on your flesh 
the wounds of Christ crucified; now you 
reign with him in his kingdom. 

O ye happy Saints ! do not forget us in 
your abode of bliss. Eeach down your 
hands to help and guide us. Offer your 
prayers for us, that the crown of glory may 
also be ours. 



PBAYEKS TO THE SAINTS. 



479 



pratsee of tbe 3uet in tbe Bible* 

Blessed is the man who hath not walked 
in the council of the ungodly, nor stood in 
the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of 
pestilence. 

But his will is in the law of the Lord, and 
on his law he shall meditate day and night. 

And he shall be like a tree which is 
planted near the running waters, which shall 
bring forth its fruits in due season. 

And his leaf shall not fall off; and all, 
whatsoever he shall do, shall prosper. 

The just man, if he be prevented with 
death, shall be in rest. 

Being made perfect in a short space, he 
fulfilled a long time. 

For his soul pleased Grod; therefore he 
hastened to bring him out of the midst of 
iniquity. 

The just shall live forever; and their 
reward is with the Lord, and the care of 
the Most High. 

They shall stand with great constancy 
against those that have afflicted them, and 
taken away their labor. 

The wicked seeing this, shall be troubled 
with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at 
their unexpected salvation; saying within 
themselves: "these are they whom we had 



4:80 FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



sometimes in derision, and for a parable of 
reproach. We fools esteemed their life 
madness, and their end "without honor. 
Behold how they are numbered among the 
children of God, and their lot is among the 
Saints. " 

The just shall receive a kingdom of glory, 
and a crown of beauty at the hand of the 
Lord: for with his right hand he will cover 
them, and with his holy arm he will defend 
them. 

Blessed is the man that is found without 
blemish, and that hath not gone after gold jj 
nor put his trust in money and in treasures. 

"Who is he, and we will praise him, for he 
hath done wonderful things in his life. 

Who hath been tried thereby, and been 
made perfect ; he shall have glory everlast- 
ing. He that could have transgressed, and 
hath not transgressed; could do evil things, 
and hath not done them. 

Therefore are his goods established in the 
Lord, and all the Church of the Saints shall 
declare his alms. 

He that feareth the Lord, shall receive 
his discipline : and they that will seek him 
early, shall find a blessing. 

No evils shall happen to him that feareth 
the Lord ; but in temptation Grod will keep 
him, and deliver him from evils. 



PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS. 



481 



The spirit of those that fear God is 
sought after, and by his regard shall be 
blessed. 

The eyes of the Lord are upon them that 
fear him ; he is their powerful protector ; a 
strong stay ; a defense from the heat, and 
a cover from the sun. 

Nations shall declare the wisdom of the 
just ; and the just shall show forth his 
praise. He shall leave a name above a 
thousand. 

God glorified him in the sight of kings ; 
he made him like the Saints in glory, and 
magnified him in the fear of his enemies. 

He sanctified him in his faith and meek- 
ness, and chose him out of all flesh. 

He made an everlasting covenant with 
him; and made him blessed in glory. 

He girded him about with a glorious 
girdle, and clothed him with a robe of glory, 
and crowned him with majestic attire. 

He gave him a holy robe of gold, and 
blue, and purple; and a crown of gold 
upon his head; an ornament of honor, a 
work lovely to the eyes for its beauty. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost, the triune God, who 
hath made the Saints great, and in whose 
kingdom they shall dwell forever. 



482 



FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



Salutation to tbe Saints* 

O ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets! I 
salute you through the sweet heart of Jesus 
Christ, and beseech you to offer Grod for me 
the great desire you had for the coming of 
Christ in the flesh. 

0 ye holy Apostles ! I salute you through 
the sweet heart of Jesus, and I pray you. 
that you would offer for me to our dear 
Lord the fidelity and steadfastness with 
which, by your preaching, you converted 
the nations to the faith. 

O ye holy Martyrs ! I salute you through 
the sweet heart of Jesus, and beseech you 
to offer to our dear Lord for me the patience 

with which you shed your blood for Christ's 

*■ 

sake. 

0 ye holy Confessors ! I salute you through 
the sweet heart of Jesus, and I entreat you 
to offer to Grod for me your great holiness, 
by which you showed to others, alike by 
teaching and example, the way of life. 

O ye holy Virgins! I salute you in the 
most sweet heart of Jesus, and I entreat 
you that you would offer to Grod for me 
your purity and chastity, by which you 
deserved to be now nearest to Christ. 

O all ye Saints and Elect of God! I salute 
you through the sweet heart of Jesus and 



PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS. 



483 



to each of you I offer the same salutation 
for your increase of bliss. 

I praise, bless, and glorify thee, 0 God 
the Father ! that thou didst eternally elect 
thy Saints to obtain heaven by their holy 
lives, and to reign with thee for ever and ever. 

I praise, bless, and glorify thee, O God 
the Son! that thou didst, through thy 
passion and death, merit for thy Saints that 
grace which enabled them to work out their 
eternal salvation. 

I praise, bless, and glorify thee, 0 God 
the Holy Ghost! that thou, by thy grace, 
didst so sanctify the Saints, and so confirm 
them in their holiness, that they were found 
worthy to share in thy eternal joy and 
happiness. 

O ye happy Saints! I entreat you all to- 
gether, that each of you would offer to the 
most holy Trinity for me, a poor, miserable 
sinner, all the merits, all the virtues, and 
good works which you individually and to- 
gether performed on earth to the honor of 
God. Amen. 

praters for tbe Intercession of tbe 
Saints, 

O ye Saints of the Lord! I come to you. 
humbly to ask you for your help and pro- 
tection. 



4S4 



FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



When on earth you were untiring in your 
efforts to convert sinners, in offering your 
prayers for them, and in bringing them 
back to the path of heaven. 

Behold, then, how many of us are also in 
danger; a prey to sin and Satan; strayed 
from the fold; and, ■ therefore, defend us 
from the ravenous wolves that cease not to 
seek our destruction. 

"We honor your virtues and praise your 
worthy deeds. TVe rejoice in the recom- 
pense wherewith Gk>d has crowned your 
merits: in return we beg you to hear the 
prayers which we direct to you in our wants 
and* needs. 

Look down from heaven on your clients 
who honor you with earnest devotion; 
revive our faith ■ restore to us the vigor of 
Christian morality; pray for us that we, 
like yourselves, may come unhurt from the 
many temptations which surround us. 

O ye zealous lovers of souls! into your 
hands we place the great risk of our per- 
severance. You have triumphed over sin 
and hell; help us also to gain the same 
victory, that we may merit to be crowned 
with the same glory. 

Speak in our behalf to the Immortal King 
for whom you so bravely fought, and in 
whose love you died; ask him to fill also 



PKAYEKS TO THE SAINTS. 485 



our hearts with divine love, and to make us 
as brave and courageous as you were. 

You, O happy Saints! despised this fleet- 
ing life; we, too, must despise it, if we 
would share in the happiness you now 
enjoy. 

The battle we have to fight may differ 
from yours, but the reward that awaits us 
is like your own — everlasting. 

Rather than betray Christ, you were ready 
to lay down your lives; our duty requires 
the same of us: — we must die rather than 
commit sin. 

Baptism has numbered us among the 
soldiers of Christ ; Confirmation has given us 
the Spirit of Fortitude; — we, too, must then 
be ready for battle. 

0 ye Saints ! beloved of Grod and man ! 
help us in this battle ; support us by your 
prayers; protect us, and make us loyal to 
the Grod, whose cause was so dear to you 
when here on earth. 

The love of Jesus is weak in our hearts. 
We are affected, and even shed tears at the 
recital of your heroic deeds, but we are 
cowards in the battle which we, ourselves, 
have to fight against the world and our 
passions. 

The habitual seeking after ease and com- 
fort has fastened upon us a certain effemi- 



486 FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 

nacy; we are ever throwing away our 
interests upon trifles; how, then, can we be 
earnest and courageous in the performance 
of our duties! 

Sanctity! — we cannot understand it; and 
when we hear or read of it, we gravely say 
that the Saints did very strange things, and 
were indiscreet, and were carried away by 
exaggerated notions ! 

Oh what are we ! Are not we too Chris- 
tians, like you, O Servants of Grod! Pray, 
then, for us, that we may love like Chris- 
tians : that is with a general and active love ; 
and bravely follow your holy example. 

You were powerful in word and work, and 
our Grod rewarded you with an everlasting 
crown. From your throne of glory, cast a 
look of pity upon us, and obtain for us from 
Grod those rich virtues which merited for 
you such a happiness. 

You were so patient — we are so impatient ; 
you were so charitable — we are so selfish ; 
you were so inflamed with a holy love — we 
are so cold ; you were so pure — we are so 
impure ; you were so zealous — we are so 
slothful! Oh! assist us to imitate your 
most holy lives ! 

You know what it is to live in this wicked 
world, which is full of snares and tempta- 
tions; therefore compassionate us who must 



PEAYEES TO THE SAINTS. 487 

live in it; speak for us to our dear Lord, 
and pray that his sweet blessing may descend 
upon us. Obtain for us the grace of perfect 
detachment from transitory things; the 
love of prayer and self-denial ; and an ardent 
desire for our heavenly home. 

Watch over us, O dear Saints! in the 
temptations which the enemy unceasingly 
puts in our way, and assist us that we may 
be vigilant in the combat, prudent in avoid- 
ing dangerous occasions, courageous in 
trials, and humble in our victories. 

Obtain of God for us that docility to his 
grace, that loving submission to his every 
will, that contempt for the things of this 
world, which ever marked your lives. 

When death came upon you, it found you 
prepared, and carried you to the bosom of 
that God who had been your heaven even 
here below, and who, then, welcomed you 
as his most dear children. 

We, too, are looking for that last wave 
which is to break over us, and carry us from 
the shore of this present life to eternity. 

Oh ! pray for us that it may find us ready ; 
that our death may be like yours ; and our 
crown with you before the throne of our 
Lord-God. 



FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 

O Christ! thy guilty people spare! 
Lo ! bending at thy gracious throne 
Thy Virgin-Mother pours her prayer, 
Imploring pardon for her own. 

Ye Angels ! happy evermore, 
Who in your circles nine ascend, 
As you have guarded us before, 
So still from harm our steps defend. 

Ye Prophets and Apostles high ! 
Behold our penitential tears ; 
And plead for us when death is nigh ; 
And our all-searching Judge appears. 

Ye Martyrs all! a purple band, 
And Confessors, a white-robed train, 
0 call us to our native land, 
From this our exile back again. 

And ye, 0 choirs of Virgins chaste ! 
Receive us to your seats on high, 
With Hermits whom the desert waste 
Sent up into the sky. 

Drive from the flock, O Spirits blest! 
The false and faithless race away ; 
That all within our fold may rest, 
Secure beneath one Shepherd's sway. 



PRAYERS TO THE SAINTS. 



489 



To God the Father glory be, 
And to his sole-begotten Son ; 
The same, O Holy Ghost! to thee, 
While endless ages run. 

XUan$ of tbe Saints. 

(See page 192). 

Conclusion* 

O ye Saints of God ! you are always pray- 
ing before the throne of the Almighty and 
never cease to praise and glorify him. 

We poor mortals are not able to do this : 
the spirit is indeed often willing, but the 
flesh is weak. 

Be, then, O ye Servants of God! mindful 
of our inability to praise him as he deserves, 
and substitute your prayers for ours. 

Continue the perpetual adoration in our 
stead: adore God in heaven, and here on 
the altar ; thank him for the graces he gives 
us ; ask him to assist us, and make repara- 
tion to him for our sins and offences. 

O happy Saints! look mercifully down 
upon us who are surrounded by the snares 
and temptations of this life, and come to our 
help when we are in danger of losing the 
happiness which is prepared for us; that 
hereafter, we also, may be united to you in 
eternal bliss. 



490 FEASTS OF THE SAINTS. 



0 Jesus in the blessed Sacrament! graci- 
ously deign to accept these prayers which 
we offer thee through the hands of thy 
Saints. 

With them, I say most humbly: 
0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine! 

All praise and all thanksgiving, be every 
moment thine. 

1b\>mrL 

While, 0 Lord! we kneel before thee, 
Low in adoration bent ; 
Deign to hear our prayers — our pleadings, 
To thy throne of mercy sent. 

We have come into thy presence. 
One sweet hour to dwell with thee ; 
We have come to render homage, 
To thy Sovereign Majesty. 

We now give thee, heart of Jesus! 
All the love our hearts contain ; 
And we offer reparation j 
Grant that it not be in vain. 

Here, 0 Lord! in all thy glory, 
As in heavenly realms above ; 
Thou dost reign in thy transcendence. 
King of kings! on throne of love. 



PRAYEKS TO THE SAINTS. 491 



Thou dost look benignly on us, 
While repentant now we pray; 
Veiling thy resplendent beauty. 
Lest in fear we turn away. 

Viewless Angels hover near thee, 
Whose ethereal voices sing 
Sweet celestial strains of music, 
Praising thee, O Grod and King! 

Let us blend our feeble voices 
In these dulcet hymns to thee ; 
We will praise thee, dearest Jesus! 
Now and everlastingly. 

Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my cry come to thee. 

V. Let us bless the Lord. 

^. Thanks be to Grod. 

y. May the faithful departed, through 
the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 

R. Amen. 



XEbe poor Souls* 



y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
If*. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

JT. O Grod! incline unto my aid. 
fy. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
G-lory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

Bfcoratiom 

(£OME, let us adore the King whom all 

kings must serve. 
Come, let us adore Jesus Christ in the 
most blessed Sacrament, the first born of 
the dead, the prince of all the kings of this 
earth. 

Come, let us render eternal adoration, 
praise, honor, and thanksgiving to our 
Lord, who is the judge of the living and the 
dead, and possesses the keys of death and 
hell. 

Let us implore his help for those that 
have died in his grace, but are yet deprived 
of his happy vision. Let us, by our sup- 
plications, open heaven for these poor souls, 
(492) 



THE POOR SOULS. 



493 



that they may praise God there with all his 
Angels and Saints. 

Come, let us join the choirs of the heavenly 
Hosts and sing to the God of our altars their 
eternal song : 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! 

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatkm* 

O Jesus, great and holy, but also infinitely 
merciful God ! thy throne in heaven is eternal 
and incomprehensible glory ; the Cherubim 
and Seraphim adore thee, and the entire 
heavens extol and praise thee for all 
eternity. 

And yet thou condescendest to be really 
and truly present amongst us in the most 
blessed Sacrament. O sublimest miracle! 
O adorable mystery! 0 excess of love! 

O King of kings ! O Lord of lords ! I 
adore thee with profoundest reverence. 
Thou art worthy of infinite honor, of bound- 
less love, and undying thanksgiving. 

But alas! instead of this, what insults, 
what outrages, and ingratitude thou dost 
suffer from so many of thy children ! 

0 highest Good! for love of us submitting 



494 



THE POOR SOULS. 



to such ignominy ; behold me on my knees 
before thee, humbly praying thee to pardon 
the numerous offences of thy divine Majesty. 

Oh! that the world would know thee, O 
Jesus! that all men would praise, honor 
and adore thee ! 

O Grod of goodness and mercy ! I implore 
thy clemency and pardon. Graciously 
accept my contrite supplications for all 
men — the living and the dead. 

Pour out thy graces on the living, that 
their eyes may be opened and their hearts 
moved, and that all may be converted to 
thee. Help the dead; forgive them what 
they have sinned against thee, and admit 
them to the heavenly joys, there to praise 
thee for all eternity. 

1b\>mn* 

The day of wrath : that fearful day 
When, David and the Sibyls say, 
The spheres in heat shall melt away. 

How terror stricken then, each eye, 
Thought, word, and deed, all open lie 
To meet the judge's scrutiny. 

Lo! the last trump's wondrous tone 
Upheaves the drear sepulchral stone; 
It summons all before the throne. 



THE POOR SOULS. 



495 



Nature and death, astounded see 
All creatures from the tomb set free, 
To answer to the dread decree. 

Wide open is the volume spread. 
The history of each one read, — 
Judgment of living and of dead. 

'Fore him enthroned in that high sphere 

All that is latent must appear, 

Nor can aught pass unpunished here. 

0 wretched, what then can I say? 
To what kind patron may I pray, 
When Saints can scarce their fears allay ! 

King of tremendous majesty! 
Whose grace alone sets sinners free, 
Fountain of mercy, save thou me ! 

Recall the pains that thou didst take 
For me : the pains thy frame did shake ; 
Me, on that day, do not forsake. 

Weary wast thou in seeking me, 
Saved by the cross' sharp agony; 
Not then in vain thy labor be. 

Avenging judge of retribution! 
Truly grant me absolution 
Before that day of dissolution. 



496 



THE POOR SOULS. 



Overwhelmed, oppressed with doubts and 
fears, 

Their load my soul in anguish bears: 
My shame, my blushes, speak in tears. 

Pardon thou gavest to Mary's sighs, 
Grace to the thief who with thee dies, 
Therefore my heart on thee relies. 

Unworthy are such prayers as mine ; 
Yet save me through thy love benign. 
Lest in eternal flames I pine. 

Give my immortal soul a place 
Among the chosen right hand race. 
The sons of Grod, the heirs of grace. 

When the accursed far are driven 
And unto endless torments given, 
Then call me with the blest to heaven. 

A suppliant, Lord! to thee I bend; 
My Gk>d, my Father and my Friend! 
Do not forsake me at the end. 

How full of sadness, full of dread. 
Will be the day which wakes the dead, 
Which calls to judgment for the past! 

To life or death — for e'er to last; — 
Thou great Creator of mankind! 
Let all thy faithful mercy find. 



THE POOR SOULS, 



497 



From the ages of the past, 
Lord of mercy, Jesus blest! 
Grant the faithful light and rest. 

StQbe of tbe poor Souls* 

Give ear, 0 Lord! to my words: under- 
stand my cry ; hearken to the voice of my 
prayer, O my King and my Lord! 

Lord! rebuke me not in thy indignation, 
nor chastise me in thy wrath. Have mercy 
on me, O Lord! for I am weak; heal me, 
for my bones are troubled. 

Spare me, O Lord! for my days are noth- 
ing; I have sinned, what shall I do to thee, 
0 Keeper of men? Why dost thou not 
remove my sin, and why dost not thou take 
away my iniquity? 

Woe is me, 0 Lord! because I have sinned 
exceedingly in my life. 0 wretch! what 
shall I do ; whither shall I flee from thee, my 
God? 0 Lord! where shall I hide myself 
from the face of thy wrath? 

Have pity on me ! Have pity on me ! at 
least you my friends, because the hand of 
the Lord hath touched me. Wash me, 0 
Lord! from my iniquity, and cleanse me 
from my sin. 

My flesh is consumed, my skin hath 
cleaved to my bone, and nothing but lips 



498 



THE POOR SOULS. 



are left about my teeth. I have said to 
rottenness: thou art my father: to worms, 
my mother and my sister. 0 Grod! in thy 
name save me ; and in thy strength deliver 
me; because I am in hell. 

My tears have been my bread day and 
night ; 0 Lord ! turn not away thy face from 
me; decline not in thy wrath from thy 
servant. 

My soul has thirsted after the living Grod ; 
when shall I come and appear before the 
face of the Lord? As the hart panteth 
after the fountains of water, so my soul 
panteth after thee, O Grod! 

Eternal rest give unto them, 0 Lord! 

And let perpetual light shine upon them. 

praters of tbe Cburcb* 

Eternal rest give unto them, 0 Lord! 
and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

Deliver, O Lord! their souls from the 
gates of hell; and let them rest in peace. 

Enter not into judgment with thy ser- 
vants, O Lord! whom the true supplication 
of Christian faith doth commend unto thee ; 
but, by the succor of thy grace, may they 
merit to escape thy vengeance, who, while 
they lived, were marked with the seal of the 
holy Trinity. 



THE POOR SOULS. 



499 



Grant, 0 Lord! this mercy unto thy ser- 
vants ? that having in intention kept thy 
will, they may not suffer in requital of their 
deeds; but that as here a true faith joined 
them unto the company of the faithful, so 
there thy compassion may associate them 
with the choirs of Angels. 

Absolve, O Lord! the souls of thy ser- 
vants from all the bonds of their sins, that 
rising again in the glory of the resurrection, 
they may enjoy repose among the Saints 
and Elect. 

Incline, 0 Lord! thy ear to our prayers 
in which we humbly beseech thy mercy, 
that thou wouldst place in the regions of 
peace and light the souls of thy servants, 
which thou hast ordered to depart from 
this world, and admit them to the fellow- 
ship of thy Saints. 

Have mercy, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! 
according to thy goodness, on the souls of 
thy servants, that being delivered from the 
corruption of mortality, they may be 
restored to the inheritance of everlasting 
salvation. 

O God ! Lord of mercy ! grant to the souls 
of thy servants, that being dead to the 
world, they may live to thee; and whatever 
they have committed through human frailty, 



500 



THE POOR teOULS. 



do thou wipe away by the pardon of thy 
most merciful goodness. 

Give, O Creator and Redeemer of all 
the faithful! to the souls of thy servants the 
remission of all their sins, that by the inter- 
cession of the blessed Mary ever Virgin, and 
of all the Saints, they may obtain the 
pardon which they have always desired, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

psalm E>e profuntte. 

Out of the depths I have cried to thee. 0 
Lord! Lord! hear my voice. 

Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of 
my supplication. 

If thou, O Lord! wilt mark iniquities: 
- Lord, who shall stand? 

For with thee there is merciful forgive- 
ness: and by reason of thy law, I have 
waited for thee, O Lord! 

My soul hath relied on his word ; my soul 
hath hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night , 
let Israel hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy: 
and with him, plentiful redemption, 

And he shall redeem Israel from all his 
iniquities. 

y. Eternal rest give unto them, 0 Lord! 
1^. And let perpetual light shine upon 
them. 



THE POOR SOULS. 



501 



©tber praters* 

O Jesus! I believe that thou art Christ, 
the Son of the living God, who art come 
into this world. Thou art the resurrection 
and the life, and whoever believes in thee, 
shall live even when he dies. 

Moved by thy loving kindness, thou hast 
shown mercy to the departed Lazarus and 
his sisters, Martha and Mary. 

Thou didst graciously hear their prayer 
and didst raise Lazarus to life, after he had 
lain in the grave for four days. 

O most loving Saviour! let me, in this 
hour, find grace at the throne of thy mercy 
for the faithful departed, who, on account 
of their failings and frailties, are detained 
as prisoners of thy justice, sitting in the 
shades of death and deprived of the vision 
of the divine countenance. Hear my sighs 
and loosen their fetters, that they may be 
admitted to the liberty of thy children. 

Christ Jesus ! thou hast sacrificed thyself 
for the trespasses of the whole world ; thou 
hast fastened to the cross the bill that was 
against us, and hast canceled it by thy 
blood. 

May thy unspeakable mercy suffer the 
infinite treasures of thy merits and satis- 
faction to be applied to the poor suffering 

17 



502 THE POOR SOULS. 

souls in purgatory, that what of themselves 
they are unable to obtain, may be granted 
to them by thy bitter passion and death. 

O Jesus! who art rich in mercies and in 
the inexhaustible treasure of thy merits, 
discharge in full the debts of these poor 
suffering souls, that they may eternally 
praise thy infinite bounty in heaven. 

Behold, my divine Saviour ! I spend this 
hour in thy sacred presence before the most 
blessed Sacrament, to obtain of thy love the 
redemption of these suffering souls. 

Remember these prisoners, for whom 
thou didst die on the cross, and for whom 
I offer to thy justice thy pains, thy wounds, 
thy blood, thy death, and thy merciful heart. 

O Jesus! mercifully accept thy own 
sufferings instead of the punishment still 
due to their sins. Pour upon them the 
balsam of mercy that flows from thy sacred 
wounds; let thy blood extinguish their 
flames; and in virtue of thy death admit 
them to the joys of life everlasting. Ah! 
let thy loving heart be induced to show 
mercy to those, for whom it was wounded 
on the cross. 

Father of mercy and God of all goodness ! 
have pity on the souls who hold the faith 
of Christ, and are now kept in purgatory 
by their sins. 



THE POOR SOULS. 



503 



Behold the flames wherein they are so 
piteously burning. Look on their heartfelt 
sighs, their painful tears. Hear their pitiable 
beseeching and calling for redemption and 
mercy. 

Remember, 0 kindest of Fathers! how 
much thy well beloved Son suffered and 
endured for them, and let a single drop of 
his precious blood fall upon them to refresh 
them in their pains and torments. 

For all the sins they have ever committed, 
I offer thee the most holy life of thy dear 
Son, and all the virtues he practiced for 
love of thee. 

For their negligent indifference, I offer 
thee the superabundance of good works he 
performed. 

For all the injury they did to thee, I offer 
all the good pleasure he manifested towards 
thee. 

Lastly for all the punishment, still due to 
them, I offer thee all the works of penance, 
which he performed in the thirty three years 
of his life, in fasting, watching, and prayer, 
in teaching, preaching, and labor, in troubles 
and difficulties, and in bearing all kinds of 
insults with the most perfect patience ; that, 
thy justice being appeased, thou mayest 
lead these souls to eternal bliss. 

To Almighty God, O departed brethren! 



504 



THE POOR SOULS. 



I commend you. May the bright company 
of Angels come to seek you; may the 
assembly of the Apostles come to greet 
you; may the triumphant army of glorious 
Martyrs come to meet you; the glittering 
throng of Confessors encompass you with 
lilies in their hands; the choir of Virgins 
receive you with songs of joy; and a happy 
rest enfold you on the bosoms of the Patri- 
archs. 

May Jesus Christ appear to you with a 
mild and cheerful smile, and give you a 
place in his presence forever. 

May you be far removed from the horrible 
darkness, the hissing flames, the agonizing 
torments. 

May Christ who was crucified for you. 
deliver you from your pains. 

May Christ, the Son of the living Grod. 
place you in the ever green and pleasant 
pastures of paradise, and may he, the true 
shepherd, acknowledge you among his flock. 

May he absolve you from all your sins, 
and place you at his right hand in the 
inheritance of his elect. 

May you see your Redeemer face to face, 
and being continually in his presence with 
the happy company of the blessed, may you 
enjoy the sweetness of the vision of God 
forever more. Amen. 



THE POOR SOULS. 



505 



©fferin^s of tbe precious Bloofc for 
tbe poor Souls. 

i. 

Lord, God Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious body and blood of thy divine 
Son Jesus, which he gave with his own 
hands upon the eve of his passion to his 
beloved Apostles to be their meat and drink, 
and which he left to his whole Church, to 
be a perpetual sacrifice and life-giving food 
of his own faithful people, deliver the souls 
in purgatory (and especially that one which 
was most devoted to this mystery of love), 
that with thy divine Son, and with thy Holy 
Spirit, they may ever praise thee in thy 
eternal glory. Hail Mary. 

II. 

Lord, God Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious blood which thy divine Son 
Jesus shed in the garden, deliver the souls 
in purgatory (especially that soul which is 
most destitute of aid) ; and bring them to 
thy glory, there to praise and bless thee 
forever. Hail Mary. 

III. 

Lord, God Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious blood which thy Son Jesus 



506 



THE POOR SOULS. 



shed m his cruel scourging, deliver the 
souls in purgatory (especially that soul 
which is nearest its entrance into heaven), 
that they may soon begin to praise and 
bless thee forever. Hail Mary. 

IV. 

Lord, Glod Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious blood which thy divine Son 
Jesus shed in his bitter crowning with 
thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory (espe- 
cially that one which would be the last to 
issue from those pains), that they tarry not 
so long a time before they come to praise 
thee in thy glory and bless thee forever. 
Hail Mary. 

V. 

Lord, Grod Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious blood which thy divine Son 
Jesus shed through the streets of Jerusalem, 
when he carried the cross upon his sacred 
shoulders, deliver the souls in purgatory 
(especially that soul which is richest in 
merit before thee), that on the throne of 
glory, which awaits them, they may magnify 
and bless thee forever. Hail Mary. 

VI. 

Lord, God Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious blood which thy divine Son 



THE POOR SOULS. 507 

Jesus shed upon the tree of the cross from 
his sacred hands and feet, deliver the souls 
in purgatory (especially that for which I am 
most bound to pray), that they may praise 
and bless thee in thy glory forever. Hail 
Mary. 

VII. 

Lord, God Almighty! I beseech thee, by 
the precious blood which gushed forth from 
the side of thy divine Son Jesus, deliver the 
souls in purgatory (especially that one 
which was most devout to the sacred heart 
of Jesus), that they may soon attain unto 
thy glory, there to praise thee in all eternity. 
Hail Mary. 

Ye souls of the faithful, 
Who sleep in the Lord, 
But as yet are shut out 
From your final reward ; 
Oh ! would I could lend you 
Assistance, to fly 
From your prison below 
To your palace on high ! 

O Father of mercies! 
Thine anger withhold ; 
These works of thy hands 
In thy presence behold; 



THE POOK SOULS. 

Too oft' from thy path 
They have wandered aside, 
But thee, their Creator, 
They never denied. 

0 tender Redeemer! 
Their misery see. 
Deliver the souls, 
That were ransomed by thee. 
Behold how they love thee, 
Despite of their pain ! 
Restore them ! Restore them ! 
To favor again. 

0 Spirit of grace ! 
O Consoler divine ! 
See how for thy presence, 
They lovingly pine. 
Oh! then, to enliven 
Their sadness, descend, 
And fill them with peace, 
And with joy in the end. 

0 Mother of mercy ! 
Dear soother in grief ! 
Send thou to their torments 
A balmy relief ; 
Attemper the rigor 
Of justice severe, 
And soften their flames 
With a pitying tear. 



THE POOR SOULS. 

Ye Patrons, who watched 
O'er their safety below; 
Oh ! think how they need 
Your fidelity now, 
And stir all the Angels 
And Saints of the sky, 
To plead for the souls, 
That upon you rely. 

Ye friends who, once sharing 
Their pleasure and pain, 
Now haply ready 
In Paradise reign ; 
Oh ! comfort their hearts 
With a whisper of love, 
And call them to share 
In your pleasures above. 

All ye, who would honor 
The Saints and their Head, 
Remember! remember! 
To pray for the dead ; 
And they, in return, 
From their misery freed, 
To you will be friends 
In the hour of your need. 



510 



THE POOR SOULS. 



%itan\> of tbe jfattbful Departed 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son. Redeemer of the world. 

G-od the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity one God, 

Holy Mary,'**) 

Holy Mother of God, 

Holy Virgin of virgins, 

St, Michael, 

All ye holy Angels and Archangels, 
All ye choirs of celestial Spirits, 
St. John the Baptist, 
St. Joseph, 

All ve holv Patriarchs and Prophets, 
St. Peter/ 
St, Paul. 
St. John. 

All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists. 
St. Stephen, 

*) Have mercy on us. 
**) Pray for them. 



THE POOR SOULS, 

St. Lawrence,*) 
All ye holy Martyrs, 
St. Gregory, 
St. Ambrose, 
St. Augustine, 
St. Jerome, 

All ye holy Pontiffs and Doctors, 
St. Benedict, 
St. Bernard, 
St. Dominic, 
St. Francis, 

All ye holy Priests and Monks, 
St. Mary Magdalene, 
St. Agnes, 
St. Barbara, 
St. Catherine, 

All ye holy Virgins and Widows, 

All ye Saints of God, 

Be merciful unto them. 

Pardon them, O Lord! 

Be merciful unto them. 

Hear us, O Lord! 

From all evil, **) 

From thy wrath, 

From the rigor of thy justice, 

From the gnawing worm of conscience 

From their fearful darkness, 

From their mourning and tears, 

*) Pray for them. 

**) Deliver them, O Lord ! 



512 



THE POOR SOULS. 



From their manifold pains,*) 

By thy holy penance and fasting, 

By thy hitter anguish and torments, 

By thy bloody sweat, 

By thy bonds and chains, 

By thy crown of thorns, 

By thy holy cross, 

By thy ignominious death, 

By thy sacred wounds, 

By thy precious blood, 

By thy resurrection, - 

By thy ascension, 

By the merits of thy heavenly Mother, 
By the intercession of all the Saints, 
Lamb of God ! who takest away the sins of 

the world, 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord! 
Lamb of God! etc. 
Have mercy on us, O Lord! 

y. From the gate of hell: 

ly. O Lord! preserve their souls. 

y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

1^. And let my supplication come ante 
thee. 

LET US PRAY. 

0 God! the Creator and Redeemer of 
all the faithful, grant to the souls of thy 



*) Deliver them, O Lord ! 



THE POOR SOULS. 



513 



servants departed the remission of all their 
sins ? that they may be released from the 
pains of purgatory, and may come to thee, 
their last aim and end, to behold, love, and 
praise thee for ever and ever. Amen. 

Conclusion* 

O Lord Jesus Christ, my Grod and my 
Saviour! thy most holy Sacrament is a per- 
petual memorial of thy love and goodness. 
What may I not hope to obtain of thee 
through this holy mystery? Thou art in- 
finitely rich, and thy mercies therein are of 
no end. 

Thou hast commanded me to be merciful 
towards my fellow creatures, that I, too, 
may obtain mercy. 

Behold, then, how during this hour I 
have poured forth my humble prayer before 
the throne of thy mercy, in behalf of the 
poor suffering souls. 

O most kind and bountiful Saviour ! grant 
that the infinite merits of thy passion may 
make my prayers and supplications effica- 
cious for the relief and redemption of these 
dear souls. 

Grant them the desired rest, and to us 
give the grace to live piously and godly, so 
that after death we may speedily be admitted 
to thy holy presence. 



514 



THE POOR SOULS. 



My concluding prayer, 0 Jesus! is, as 
usually, to thy most holy Sacrament, which 
I greet and salute with my whole heart, 
saying most humbly: 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine ! 

Jesus, Saviour of my soul! 
Let me to thy altar fly, 
While the nearer waters roll, 
While the tempest still is nigh. 

Hide me, 0 my Saviour! hide, 
Till the storm of life is past ; 
Safe into thy haven guide, 
0 receive my soul at last ! 

Other refuge have I none ■ 
Hangs my helpless soul on thee, 
Leave, 0 leave me not alone, 
Still support and comfort me. 

All my trust in thee is stayed, 
All my help from thee I bring ; 
Cover my defenseless head 
With the shadow of thy wing. 



THE POOR SOULS. 



515 



Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

JT. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
1^. And let my cry come unto thee. 
JT. Let us bless the Lord. 
fy. Thanks be to God. 
JT. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
1^. Amen. 



preparation for 2)eatb. 

y. 0 Lord! thou wilt open my lips. 
1}. And my mouth shall declare thy 
praise. 

y. O God! incline unto my aid. 
1^. O Lord! make haste to help me. 
Glory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

(£OME,let us adore our Lord Jesus Christ, 
the Saviour who died for us on the 
cross, and now lives for us in the blessed 
Sacrament. 

Come, let us adore Jesus Christ, the high 
priest, who, by his blood, entered into the 
sanctuary and merited salvation for us. 

Come, let us in holy love devote this hour 
to his adoration, and ask him, the conqueror 
of death, to give us a happy hour of death, 
and that life which he hath come to give. 

Come, let us praise, glorify and adore 
our Lord with all the Angels and Saints, and 
joyfully sing to him their heavenly song: 
(516) 



tBEPARATION FOR DEATH. 517 



Holy, holy, holy, Lord Grod of Hosts! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Grlory be to the Father, etc. 
As it was in the beginning, etc. 

IReparatioru 

Jesus, my Grod and supreme Lord! on 
Calvary, thou didst deign to die for me; 
and on the altar, thou dost still offer the 
unbloody sacrifice for our sins. 

I kneel before thee, who wilt soon be my 
judge, and before whom I shall have to 
appear when my soul departs from my body. 

My dear Saviour! I am penetrated with 
fear and hope; and my soul is filled with 
bitterness and anguish, when I remember 
my numerous sins and thy infinite justice. 

My ingratitude towards thee is very great ; 
and my love for thee exceedingly weak. 

But, O my Lord ! I now detest my wicked- 
ness, and I am sorry for all the sins of my 
life. Thy love for sinners, the love that 
made thee die on the cross and keeps thee 
captive in the tabernacle of our altars, in- 
spires me with confidence. 

O Jesus! be mindful of this thy love, and 
do not despise the contrition of a child, who 
now returns to thee, imploring thy mercy. 

Behold me here prostrate before thy 



518 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

throne of grace, and hear my prayers, ere 
death makes it impossible for me to pray. 

Enlighten my mind ; strengthen my will, 
and inflame my heart, that I may employ 
this hour for my salvation, and thereby 
obtain thy mercy for myself and for all 
those for whom it is my duty to pray. 

1b$mru 

Jesus, ever loving Saviour! 
Thou didst live and die for me. 
Living, I will live to love thee ; 
Dying I will die for thee. 

Jesus! Jesus! 
By thy life and death of sorrow, 
Help me in mine agony. 

When the last dread hour approaching 
Fills my guilty soul with fear, 
All my sins rise up before me, 
All my virtues disappear : 

Jesus! Jesus! 
Turn not thou in anger from me; 
Mary, Joseph, then be near. 

Kindest Jesus ! thou wert standing 
By thy foster-father's bed, 
While thy Mother softly praying, 
Held her dying Joseph's head. 

Jesus! Jesus! 
By that death so calm and holy, 
Soothe me in that hour of dread. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 519 

Mary! thou canst not forsake me, 
Virgin Mother undeflled! 
Thou didst not abandon Jesus, 
Dying, tortured, and reviled. 

Jesus! Jesus! 
Send thy Mother to console me. 
Mary! help thy guilty child. 

Jesus! when in cruel anguish, 
Dying on the shameful tree, 
All abandoned by thy Father, 
Thou didst writhe in agony : 

Jesus! Jesus! 
By those three long hours of sorrow, 
Thou didst purchase hope for me. 

When the priest with holy unction, 
Prays for mercy and for grace, 
May the tears of deep compunction 
All my guilty stains efface ! 

Jesus! Jesus! 
Let me find in thee a refuge, 
In thy heart a resting place. 

Then by all thou didst suffer, 
Grant me mercy on that day ; 
Help me, Mary, my sweet Mother! 
Holy Joseph! near me stay. 

Jesus! Jesus! 
Let me die, my lips repeating: 
Jesus, mercy! Mary, pray! 



520 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

Zvmt in the paseton of CbrisL 

0 Jesus, my Lord and my Grod ! I appear 
before thy majesty in the most holy Sacra- 
ment, and adore thee in profound humility. 

1 know that I cannot live forever, but 
that it is appointed for me once to die and 
to leave all earthly things. I submit, in all 
obedience, to thy divine will, and accept 
death with humble resignation. 

I fear, however, to appear before thee, 0 
holy Grod ! after having sinned and offended 
thee so often. 

Thou hast promised heaven to the clean 
of heart; alas! my heart is unclean and 
defiled; not worthy of thy holy vision in 
heaven. 

But, O my Jesus! thou didst die in order 
to merit for us the grace of a happy death 
and of an everlasting life in heaven. 
Through thy holy passion and cross, I can 
expect a happy death. Through thy pre- 
cious blood, we all can receive forgiveness 
of our sins, thy holy love, and final per- 
severance. 4 

Thou, O Jesus! didst die for me upon the 
cross and didst thus open for me the way to 
heaven. With thee I will confidently meet 
death; and through thee I hope to enter 
into life everlasting. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 521 

Although death terrifies me, I place my 
hope in thy cross, and take refuge at the 
foot thereof j nor will I leave this anchor of 
hope until I am united with thee in heaven. 

O Jesus ! for the sake of thy bitter passion 
and death, do not let me perish. Thy five 
holy wounds are my consolation, I kiss 
them devoutly and with most tender love. 
In my last hour, let me find therein thy 
sweetness, thy grace and love, that I may 
die happily. 

Into thy sacred wounds do I recommend 
my body and soul, my life and my death, 
and my eternal salvation. 

O dear Jesus! extend thy omnipotent 
right hand which was wounded for me; 
extend it over my poor soul when I pass 
from time into eternity, and protect me 
against my enemies. 

Eternally unhappy will those be, who, on 
the day of judgment, shall be placed at thy 
left hand, there to hear from thee the sen- 
tence of eternal damnation. But, O my 
Jesus! I trust in thy goodness, that thou 
wilt not place me on that side. Remember 
that thy left hand was pierced for my salva- 
tion. In it I place my confidence. Do thou 
save me for the sake of that sacred wound. 

O divine Saviour! like penitent Magdalene 
I throw myself at thy sacred feet ; I kiss and 



522 PKEPAKATION FOR DEATH. 

venerate them in profound humility, tender 
love, and with the greatest confidence. Oh! 
let me, at my departure from this world, 
hear the same words thou didst address to 
that happy woman, when she annointed thy 
holy feet: "Many sins are forgiven thee, 
Gro in peace. ?? 

Do thou, O my Jesus! not refuse to hide 
me at that terrible moment in the wound of 
thy most holy heart, that there I may be 
secure from the attacks of the wicked 
enemy, and depart from this life united with 
thee in holy love. 

Thy death, O crucified Redeemer! is my 
life. Thy death saved the penitent thief, 
who was crucified with thee and who heard 
from thee the consoling words: "To-day 
thou shalt be with me in paradise. 9 J O 
Jesus ! speak these words also to me at the 
hour of my death. 

In that moment remember thy agony on 
the cross, thy cry of desolation: "My GrOd! 
My Grod! why hast thou forsaken me!" and 
assist me in the pains and desolation of my 
death. Oh! was it not for me, that thou 
didst suffer all the torments of the cross? 

Thou didst thirst for my soul ; therefore 
thy fifth word on the cross was: "I thirst. 7 ' 
Receive, then, my soul at the moment of my 
death, that it may be thine, thine forever. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 523 



With thy death, the work of our redemp- 
tion was finished ; the anger of the heavenly 
Father appeased; heaven opened for us; 
and thou couldst say: "It is consumated." 

Ah ! grant that my work may also be eon- 
sumated when thou callest me from this 
vale of tears, to receive the reward of my 
deeds. 

Like thyself , I commend my spirit to thy 
heavenly Father, and beg of thee to present 
my poor soul to him at the hour of my 
departure, that I may be found worthy to 
enter into that kingdom which thou hast 
purchased with thy precious blood. 

Zvmt in tbe flDost Blessefc Sacra* 
ment 

0 Jesus, my divine Redeemer! I adore 
thee most humbly in the most holy Sacra- 
ment, which thou didst institute before thy 
death for the salvation of man. 

1 kneel here before thee who art my 
supreme Judge, and who wilt soon pro- 
nounce over me the final sentence, upon 
which my eternity will depend. 

Should I become discouraged at the ap- 
proach of death ? I ought indeed to tremble 
when I remember my sinful life; but, O 
Jesus! can I not hope for anything, when I 



524 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

consider thy infinite bounty in the blessed 
Sacrament? 

Upon the cross thou didst shed thy most 
precious blood in order to merit for us a 
good death. The same blood is offered for 
us every day upon the altar, and is received 
by us in holy Communion as a pledge of 
our eternal life. 

Thou, O Jesus! in the most holy Sacra- 
ment art the source of all graces j thou art, 
then, also the source of the greatest grace 
that can be given to man — the grace of a 
happy death. 

Thou, thyself , O Jesus! hast said: "I am 
the living bread, that came down from 
heaven ; if any man shall eat of this bread 
he shall live forever. " 

0 my Jesus! I need not, then, fear death, 
and may also hope to live forever, if I ap- 
proach thy holy table often worthily, and 
have a great devotion to thy most holy 
Sacrament. 

This Sacrament is a memorial of thy 
death ; it is no less an antidote against our 
death; and gives us the victory over death. 

The more I venerate this most holy mys- 
tery, the more I can hope for a happy 
death, and for a future glorious resurrection. 

1 ask for but one grace, O my dear Jesus! 
the grace not to depart from this life with- 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 525 

out having worthily received thee in holy 
Communion. 

The world will then abandon me. Even 
my nearest friends will leave me; but, O 
Jesus ! do thou not depart from me at that 
awful hour. 

Make that hour sweet for me by giving 
me, for the last time, thyself, thy most 
precious body and blood. 

Thou hast loved us till to the end, and 
at the end of thy life hast instituted this 
memorial of love: Oh! stay then with me 
till to the end. 

Fortify me by thy adorable presence 
against all temptations; nourish and refresh 
me, so that even death shall not be able to 
separate me from thee. 

Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast! 
Thy blessed body be, then, my saving guest ! 
Blood of my Jesus, bathe me in thy tide! 
Wash me, ye waters, flowing from his side! 

Zvmt in flDar^t 3oeepb anb tbe 
Saints. 

After Grod and my Saviour Jesus Christ, 
to whom but to thee, O Mother of mercy! 
shall I turn in the horrors of death. 

Thy kindness, O Mary! and thy love for 
me, inspires me with an unbounded con- 



526 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



fidence that thou wilt assist me at that most 
important hour. 

At that moment ; show thyself my mother ; 
take me into thy maternal arms ; and keep 
the wicked enemy from me. 

Obtain for me the undeserved grace of a 
worthy reception of the last sacraments, a 
perfect contrition for my sins, and an entire 
resignation to the holy will of Grod. 

Let me die, O good Mother! with thy 
sweet name on my hps ; receive my depart- 
ing soul, and carry it to the throne of thy 
divine Son. 

I ask the same grace also of thee, O blessed 
Joseph! my holy patron, and the patron of 
the dying. 

It is not without reason that we honor 
thee as the special protector of those who 
desire to die well. 

Thine death was so beautiful, so sweet, 
and precious ! Thou hadst at thy side J esus 
and Mary, ever assisting thee. From time 
to time they offered thee the relief their 
poverty permitted. Jesus fortified thee by 
the words of eternal life; Mary revived thee 
by her most tender cares. How often did 
not Jesus support thy dropping head with 
his divine hands ! How many times did not 
the pure hands of Maiy wipe the sweat from 
thy brow? Oh! thou didst die of love when 



PKEPABATION FOR DEATH. 527 



thou, in thy agony, didst behold thyself 
supported by a God, assisted by the Mother 
of God. 

O holy Patriarch ! since thy death was so 
sweet, take, I conjure thee, mine in thy 
care. Let me die in thy holy arms ; remove 
from me, at that moment, all fear; inspire 
me with a great confidence in the mercy of 
my Saviour. Lead my poor soul before his 
judgment seat; tell him that you are my 
father, and I thy devoted child, and that 
you claim my soul for the eternal joys of 
heaven. 

All ye Elect of G-od ! all ye holy Angels 
and Saints! intercede for me in my last 
hour, that through your united intercession 
I may obtain grace, mercy, and life ever- 
lasting. 

You, O happy Saints! are now removed 
from the dangers of this mortal life, and 
fixed in the abode of eternal peace. I, too, 
sigh for that place and for your blissful 
company; come then to my assistance; 
strengthen my weakness in my last struggle, 
and pray for me for a happy death. 

flntmlaencefc ft>ra$er0 for a (Boob 
2>eatb, 

Lord Jesus, Grod of goodness, Father of 
mercies! I stand before thee with a heart 



528 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



humbled, contrite and full of compunction; 
to thee I commend my last hour and all 
that awaits me after it. 

When my feet, unable to move, shall 
warn me that my course is well-nigh run: 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my hands, trembling and be- 
numbed, shall no more be able to clasp the 
crucifix, and I am forced, in spite of myself, 
to let thee fall upon my bed of pain : . 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my eyes, dim and distorted through 
dread of approaching death, shall fix on 
thee their languid, dying gaze: 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me ! 

When my lips, cold and quivering, shall 
utter for the last time thy most adorable 
name: 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my cheeks, pale and livid, inspire 
the bystanders with compassion and awe, 
and my hair, bathed in the sweat of death, 
stands erect on my head, and declares that 
my hour is come ; 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my ears, soon to be shut forever to 
the words of men, shall be opened to hear 
thy voice pronouncing the sentence by 
which my lot is to be irrevocably fixed for 
all eternity: 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 529 

Merciful Jesus , have pity upon me! 

When my imagination, preyed upon by 
horrible and fearful spectres, shall be 
plunged in mortal woe; and my spirit, 
stricken with the sight of my ill-doings and 
the fear of thy justice, shall wrestle with the 
powers of darkness, striving to take from me 
the consoling sight of thy mercies, and to 
cast me down headlong into the pit of 
despair : 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my weak heart, borne down with 
the pain of my disease, shall be overtaken 
with the horror of death, and be exhausted 
by the efforts it has made against the 
enemies of my salvation : 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When I shed my last tears, the sign of 
my dissolution, do thou receive them as an 
expiatory sacrifice, that thus I may expire a 
victim of penance; in that dread moment: 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my friends and relations, standing 
around me, have compassion at my sad 
state, and invoke thee in my behalf: 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me ! 

When my senses are gone, and the whole 
world has vanished from my sight, and 
when, in the anguish of my last agony and 
in the fear of death, I groan: 



530 P PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

Merciful Jesus , have pity upon me! 

When my heart's last sobs shall force my 
soul to depart from my body, do thou accept 
these sobs as the offspring of a holy impa- 
tience to come to thee, and then do thou: 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

When my soul shall issue forth from my 
lips forever out of this world, and leave my 
body pale, cold and lifeless, 0 do thou 
accept the dissolution of my being as the 
homage which I render thy divine Majesty; 
and then do thou : 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me! 

Last of all, when my soul shall appear 
before thee, and shall see for the first time 
the immortal brightness of thy Majesty, 
O cast it not away from thy presence ; but 
vouchsafe to receive me into the loving 
bosom of thy mercy, there forever to sing 
thy praises : 

Merciful Jesus, have pity upon me ! 

PRAYER. 

0 Grod! who while condemning all men 
once to die, hast yet concealed from them 
the moment and the hour of their death: 
grant that, spending all the days of my life 
in justice and in holiness, I may be made 
worthy to depart out of this world in thy 
holy love. Through the merits of our Lord 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 531 

Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with 
thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Testament of a Cbnstian SouL 

In the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Grhost. Amen. 

My most adorable Q-od ! as I, a poor sinful 
creature, am sure that I must die, but do not 
know the hour, so I will now, while I am in 
full possession of my reason, declare, before 
thee, this my last will, namely, how I wish 
to live and to die; and this my last will 
shall be unchangeable forever. 

1. Through the sweet heart of Jesus, to 
which I entirely belong, I consecrate and 
give over to thee, O most holy Trinity! my 
whole body and soul, and all the actions I 
have done during my life. I give thee 
eternal thanks that thou hast enriched me 
with numberless graces, and confess that 
thou alone hast full power over me, and 
that I acknowledge no other Lord but thee 
alone. 

2. To thee I ascribe all benefits, all cor- 
poral and spiritual graces, and I confess 
that thou, out of pure goodness, hast done 
me infinitely more good than I deserved; 
for which I thank and praise thee now and 
for all eternity. 



532 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



3. I firmly confess the faith, and every 
article of the same, "which the holy Roman 
Catholic Church believes and teaches. I will 
rather loose my life and shed the last drop 
of my blood, than deny one single article of 
this faith. If at the hour of my death, 
through temptation of the evil one, I should 
think, speak or do anything against this 
faith, I now declare it to be null and void; 
and that this may not happen, I recommend 
this my faith to thy omnipotence, wisdom 
and goodness, 0 my God! that it may be 
found pure and perfect at the hour of my 
death. 

4, I detest and abhor each and every 
one of my sins, in whatever way and at 
whatever time I have committed it j and in 
the bitterness of my soul I grieve for them, 
0 most benign God ! purely for love of thee ; 
yet I desire to grieve for them with infinite 
sorrow and to weep over them with bloody 
tears. I offer thee, O my God and highest 
Good ! all the sorrows ever felt by peniten- 
tial hearts, with the unchangeable resolution 
never more to offend thee. And that I may, 
in some measure, make atonement for the 
great insults I have committed towards thy 
divine Majesty, I am ready, with thy grace, 
to accept and to bear every punishment thou 
dost wish to impose upon me. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 533 

5. But as my satisfaction is altogether 
insufficient, I take my refuge to the inex- 
haustible treasures of the merits of Jesus 
Christ, and offer thee his life, his labors 
and sufferings, his passion and death. I 
submerse and inclose all my sins in his holy 
wounds, fervently imploring that my divine 
Saviour would wash away from me all stains, 
and consume them with the fire of his love. 

6. I humbly beg pardon of each and 
every one I have offended, by word or deed, 
and declare myself ready to repair, according 
to the measure of justice, all the injury I 
have done their honor or property. I forgive 
with my whole heart all who have offended 
me, as Christ forgave and prayed for his 
enemies on the cross. 

7. I acknowledge and confess that 
through my own merits I could not obtain 
heaven. Therefore, I do not rely upon 
them in the least, but on the infinite mercy 
of Grod, on the merits and sufferings of Jesus 
Christ, our Eedeemer, and on the interces- 
sion, protection and merits of the Blessed 
Virgin, of St. Joseph and all the Saints. In 
these I place my confidence with a firm hope 
for my eternal salvation, because I know 
that thy mercy, O my God! and the merits 
of our Lord Jesus Christ infinitely surpass 
the measures of my sins, 

18 



534 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

8. I surrender myself entirely and with- 
out any reserve, together with all that I am 
and all that I have, to thy most holy will, 
with the heartfelt desire that thou wouldst 
dispose of me in time and in eternity, in life 
and in death, according to thy good 
pleasure. 

9. I love thee, 0 my God, and my Love ! 
and I desire to love thee in the most perfect 
manner for all eternity, because, on account 
of thy infinite perfections and bounty, thou 
art worthy of all love. 0 that I could love 
thee a thousand times more ! Yes, had I the 
hearts of all the elect, willingly would I love 
thee with them all. But as I can not love 
thee sufficiently, I beseech thee, to love thy- 
self, in my stead, with a love which is worthy 
of thee. For this end I offer thee, 0 Triune 
Grod ! now and forever the love of the divine 
heart of Jesus. 

10. Lastly I testify, that I wish to die as 
a true Catholic Christian, and that I ardently 
desire to receive the holy sacraments at the 
hour of death. I also desire and wish to 
participate in all holy masses, which shall 
be celebrated, in all blessings given, and all 
prayers said, and indulgences gained until 
the day of judgment. And I beseech thee, 
0 most merciful Jesus! from the bottom of 
my heart, that thou wouldst offer thyself as 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 535 

a sacrifice to the heavenly Father, for my 
numberless and grievous sins; and that, in 
my last hour, thou wouldst apply to my soul 
but one single drop of thy most precious 
blood. 

11. If, at the hour of my death, I should 
owe restitution to any one for harm done in 
spiritual or temporal goods, and because of 
my poverty or misery should not be able to 
fulfill my obligations, I beg of them, for the 
love of Grod, forgiveness and remission, and 
implore the bounty of the divine heart of 
Jesus, for all whom I have harmed, that 
through the blessing and graces of this heart 
everything may be adequately supplied. 

12. Now, 0 most holy Trinity! I promise 
and testify before thee and the whole 
heavenly court, that all which is contained 
in this testament is my last and earnest will, 
according to which I wish to live and die. 
I desire also that this testament shall remain 
in force as well before, as at and after my 
death. And that it may be manifest before 
God and man, to whom my body and soul 
belongs, how I wish to live and die, I 
will sign and seal this testament with my 
own hand, while I am in full possession of 
my reason, I a most unworthy creature, 
"N. N." 



536 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



ittmttti 

Ave Maria! bright and pure, 

Hear, O hear when I pray. 

Pains and pleasures try the pilgrim 

On his long and drear way, 

Fears and perils are around me : 

Ave Maria! bright and pure, 

Ora pro me, ora pro me! 

Ave Maria! queen of heaven, 

Teach me, 0 teach me to obey. 

Lead me on through fierce temptations, 

Stand and meet me" in the way, 

When I fall and faint, my Mother! 

Ave Maria! bright and pure, 

Ora pro me, ora pro me! 

Then shall I, if thou, 0 Mary! 

Art my strong support and stay, 

Fear, nor feel the three-fold danger, 

Standing forth in dread array. 

Now and ever shield and guard me. 

Ave Maria! bright and pure, 

Ora pro me, ora pro me! 

When my eyes are slowly closing, 

And I fade from earth away, 

And when death, the stearn destroyer. 

Claims my body as his prey. 

Claim my soul, and then, sweet Mary! 

Ave Maria! bright and pure, 

Ora pro me, ora pro me! 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

Xitan$ for a 1bapp\> ©eatb. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God, the Father of heaven,*) 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity one God, 

Holy Mary,**) 

Holy Mary, refuge of sinners, 

Holy Mary, comfortress of the afflicted, 

St. Michael, 

St. Raphael, 

All ye holy Angels and Archangels, 

Holy Abel, 

Holy Abraham, 

All ye choirs of the Just , 

St. John the Baptist, 

St. Joseph, patron of the dying, 

All ye holv Patriarchs and Prophets, 

St. Peter, 

St. Paul, 



*) Have mercy on us. 
**) Pray for us. 



538 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



St. Andrew,*) 
St. John, 

All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, 

St. Stephen, 

St. Lawrence, 

All ye holy Martyrs, 

St. Sylvester, 

St. Gregory, 

St. Augustine, 

All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, 

St. Benedict, 

St. Francis, 

St. Camillus, 

St. John of God, 

All ye holy Monks and Hermits, 

St. Mary Magdalene, 

St. Lucy, 

St. Barbara, 

All ye holy Virgins and Widows, 
All ye Saints of God, 
Be merciful. 
Spare us, O Lord! 
Be merciful. 

Graciously hear us. 0 Lord! 
From thy wrath,** ) 

From a sudden and un-looked-for death. 
From an evil death, 
From an everlasting death, 

*) Pray for us. 

•*) Deliver us, O Lord ! 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 539 

From the snares of the devil,*) 
From the pains of hell, 
Through thy nativity. 
Through thy cross and passion, 
Through thy death and burial. 
Through thy glorious resurrection, 
Through thy admirable ascension, 
In the hour of death, 
In the day of judgement, 
We sinners,**) 

That thou wouldst give us time for penance, 

That thou wouldst pardon our sins, 

That thou wouldst give us patience in our 

last sickness, 
That thou wouldst give us perseverance 

until death, 
That thou wouldst inspire us with true 

sorrow for our sins, 
That thou wouldst give us the grace to make 

a good confession on our death-bed, 
That thou wouldst nourish us with a worthy 

reception of the holy Viaticum, 
That thou wouldst strengthen us by the 

sacrament of Extreme Unction, 
That thou wouldst let our souls depart from 

this life in peace, 
That thou wouldst be our merciful Judge, 



+ ) Deliver us, O Lord ! 

**) We beseech thee, to hear us. 



540 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



That thou wouldst receive us into thy ever- 
lasting dwellings.*) 

Lamb of Grod! who takest away the sins of 
the world, 

Spare us, O Lord! 

Lamb of Grod! etc. 

Graciously hear us, 0 Lord! 

Lamb of Grod! etc. 

Have mercy on us, 0 Lord! 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

LET US PRAY. 

O Jesus! who didst deign, for our salva- 
tion to die a most painful death, and for the 
consolation of man to institute the sacred 
mystery of the altar ; we beseech thee, grant, 
that we may, before our death, worthily 
receive the holy Viaticum, and by a happy 
death be found worthy to be united to thee 
forever in heaven. 

Conclusion 

O Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! perhaps 
the hour of my death is near at hand ; at all 
events it is sure to come, and is approaching 
with hasty steps. 

Thus a single hour, nay a single moment 
will end my whole life. Ah! that this 



*) We beseech thee, to hear us. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 541 

moment, on which all depends, may, by thy 
mercy, be a happy one ! 

My dear Jesus! I conclude this hour, 
during which I have prayed for a happy 
death, as I desire to close the last hour of 
my life, with the most fervent petition : 0 
Lord! have mercy on me; reject me not 
from thy face ; and when thou shalt come 
to judge the living and the dead, do not 
condemn me. 

The same grace of a happy death, I most 
humbly ask also for my friends, benefactors, 
relations and for all those for whom I am 
bound to pray. 

Thou, O Jesus! didst die for all; let them 
all, through a happy death, enter into life 
everlasting. 

Grant, O Lord and Saviour in the blessed 
Sacrament! that after having devoutly 
adored thee here on earth, under the sacra- 
mental veil, we may there adore thee face to 
face, singing to thee for all eternity: 

Praised and adored be without end : 

Jesus, Our Lord, in the most blessed 
Sacrament ! 

When by thy altar, Lord! I kneel, 
And I think upon thy love, 
0 make my heart thy goodness feel, 
Fix it on things above. 



542 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



About to leave this wretched earth, 
On man thy thoughts still bent, 
Thy sacred boundless love gave birth 
To this sweet Sacrament. 

O manna ! which my Sovereign God 
In pity left for me ; 
Without his Majesty adored, 
What would this exile be? 

A desert land of woe and care, 
A pilgrimage of strife, 
Who could its griefs and trials bear, 
Without this bread of life ? 

My soul here finds a sovereign balm, 
A care for every grief ; 
Mid care and pain a heavenly calm, 
A solace and relief. 

Supported by this heavenly bread, 
My Lord's last pledge of love, 
With joy the rugged path I'll tread 
To HoreVs mount above. 

Consoled by him, my soul its flight 
Shall from this exile soar, 
To dwell in realms of bliss and light 
Forever — ever — more. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 543 



Commemoration of the blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. 

Jf.. 0 Lord! hear my prayer, 

fy. And let my cry come unto thee, 

y. Let us bless the Lord ! 

1$. Thanks be to Grod. 

Jf. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

^. Amen. 



Bppenbtx. 



£>ail\> praters. 



Aborning praters* 

Come, unto my help, 0 Lord! 

O Grod! make haste to help me. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Grhost. 

As it was in the beginning, is now, and 
ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

0 Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament 
divine ! 

All praise and all thanksgiving be every 
moment thine. 

1 believe in thee, 0 my Grod! because 
thou art infinite truth. 

I hope in thee, 0 my Grod! because thou 
art infinite goodness. 

I love thee, 0 my Grod! because thou art 
perfect love. 

I thank thee for all the graces thou hast, 
till this hour, bestowed upon me for soul and 
body; but in particular that thou hast so 
graciously preserved me during this night. 

Forgive, I beseech thee, all whatever I 
may have committed against thee in my 
sleep or otherwise. 

(547) 



548 



DAILY PRAYERS. 



0 Lord, Grod Almighty! who hast brought 
me to the beginning of this day; let thy 
power so defend me therein, that this day 
I fall into no sin, but that all my thoughts, 
words and actions may always tend to what 
is just in thy sight. 

0 Lord Grod, King of heaven and earth ! 
vouchsafe this day to direct and to sanctify, 
to rule and to govern my soul and body, 
my senses, words and works in thy law, 
and in the works of thy commandments, 
that both, now and forever, I may deserve 
to be saved and delivered through thy 
protection, 0 Saviour of the world! who 
livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. 

The Lord ^ bless me, and keep me from 
evil, and bring me unto life everlasting. 

Cburcb SH^mn. 

The star of morn to night succeeds ; 
We, therefore, meekly pray, 
May Grod, in all our words and deeds, 
Keep us from harm this day. 

May he in love restrain us still. 
From tones of strife and words of ill, 
And wrap around and close our eyes. 
To earth's absorbing vanities. 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



549 



May wrath and thoughts that gender shame 
Ne'er in onr breasts abide, 
And painful abstinences tame, 
Of wanton flesh the pride. 

So when the weary day is o'er, 
And night and stillness come once more, 
Blameless and clean from spot of earth, 
We may repeat with reverent mirth : 

To God the Father glory be, 
And to his only Son, 
And to the Spirit, One and Three, 
While endless ages run. 

0 Lord J esus Christ ! in union with that 
divine intention with which thou, whilst on 
earth, didst give praise to Grod, through thy 
most sacred heart, and which thou dost 
still everywhere offer to him in the holy 
Eucharist, even to the consummation of 
the world; I, in imitation of the most sacred 
heart of the ever immaculate Virgin Mary, 
do most cheerfully offer to thee, during 
this entire day, all my thoughts and inten- 
tions, all my affections and desires, my 
words and all my works. Amen. 

O sweetest heart of Jesus! I implore, that 
I may love thee more and more. 

Jesus, meek and humble of heart! make 
my heart like unto thine. 



550 



DAILY PEAYEKS. 



Sweet heart of Jesus! be my love. 

0 Mary j my queen and my mother! 
remember I am thine. Keep me, guard me 
as thy property and possession. To show 
thee my love, I offer thee this day my eyes, 
my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole 
body and soul, as well as the indulgences I 
can gain. 

O sweet heart of Mary! be my salvation. 

Guardian of virgins and father, St. Joseph ! 
to whose faithful care Christ Jesus, very 
innocent, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were 
committed; I pray and beg of thee, by 
these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, free 
me from all uneleanness, and make me 
with spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste 
body, ever more chastely to serve Jesus and 
Mary all the days of my life. Amen. 

Angel of Grod, my guardian dear ! to whom 
his love commits me here ; ever be at my 
side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. 
Amen . 

May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of (rod. rest in peace. 
Amen . 

The Angel of the Lord declared unto 
Mary ; and she conceived of the Holy Grhost. 
Hail Mary, etc. 



| 

THE ANGELUS. — MEAL PRAYERS. 551 

! 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord ; be it 
done unto me according to thy word. Hail 
Mary, etc. 

And the Word was made flesh ; and dwelt 
among ns. Hail Mary, etc. 

Pray for us, O holy Mother of Grod! 

That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

Pour forth, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! 
thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom 
the incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was 
made known by the message of an Angel, 
may, by his passion and cross, be brought 
to the glory of the resurrection. Through 
the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

You may add; 

y . May the souls of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of Grod, rest in peace. 
Amen. 

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. 

flfceal praters. 
Before /IDeais, 

Bless us, 0 Lord! and these thy gifts, 
which of thy bounty we are about to receive ; 
through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. 



552 



DAILY PRAYERS. 



Htter /IDeals, 

We give thee thanks, almighty God! for 
all thy benefits, who livest and reignest 
world without end. Amen. 

y. May the souls of the faithful departed, 
etc. Our Father, etc. 

Sbort flnfculgenceb praters. 

To be said often during the day, 

1. Every time you make the sign of the 
cross saying: In the name of the Father, 
etc., you can gain an indulgence of 50 days ; 
and if you make the sign of the cross with 
holy water, 100 days' indulgence each time. 

2. Every time you pronounce the holy 
names of Jesus and Mary with devotion, 
25 days' indulgence. 

3. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts; 
the earth is full of thy glory. Glory be to 
the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be 
to the Holy Ghost. (100 days' indulgence, 
once a day.) 

4. May the most just, most high and 
most amiable will of God be done in all 
things, be praised and magnified forever. 
(100 days' once a day.) 

5. Praised be Jesus Christ — forever! 
Amen. (100 days' each time.) 

6. My Jesus, mercy! (100 days' each 
time. ) 



SHORT INDULGENCE!) PRAYERS. ODD 

7. My sweetest Jesus, be not my Judge , 
but my Saviour. (100 days' each time.) 

8. Jesus, my God, I love thee above all 
things. (50 days 7 each time.) 

9. Eternal Father, I offer up to thee the 
precious blood of Jesus, in satisfaction for 
my sins, and for the wants of holy Church. 
(100 days 7 each time.) 

10. O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore, 
that I may love thee more and more. (300 
days' each time. 

11. Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love. 
(300 days 7 each time.) 

12. Jesus meek and humble of heart, 
make my heart like unto thine. (300 days 7 
once a day. ) 

13. May the sacred Heart of Jesus be 
loved everywhere. (100 days 7 once a day.) 

14. May the Heart of J esus in the blessed 
Sacrament be praised, adored and loved 
with grateful affection, at every moment , in 
all the tabernacles of the world, even to the 
end of time. Amen. (100 days 7 once a day. ) 

15. O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament 
divine ! All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine ! ( 100 days 7 once a day. ) 

16. My loving Jesus, I N.N. give thee 
my heart, and I consecrate myself w T holly 
to thee, out of the grateful love 1 bear thee, 
and as a reparation for all my unfaithful- 



554 



DAILY PRAYERS. 



ness ; and with thy aid I purpose never to 
sin again. (100 days' once a day, when said 
before a picture of the sacred Heart of Jesus. ) 

17. Praise be to Jesus and Mary! Now 
and forever. (50 days' each time.) 

18. Blessed be the holy and immaculate 
Conception of the most blessed Virgin Mary*, 
Mother of Grod. (300 days' each time.) 

19. In thy Conception, O Virgin Mary, 
thou wast immaculate. Pray for us to the 
Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy 
womb by the Holy Grhost, thou didst bring 
forth. (100 days' once a day.) 

20. O Mary, who didst come into this 
world free from stain, obtain of Grod for 
me, that I may leave it without sin. (100 
days' once a day. ) 

21. Mary, conceived without sin, pray 
for us, who have recourse to thee. (300 
days' once a day.) 

22. To thee, O Virgin Mother, never 
touched by the stain of sin, actual or venial, 
I recommend and confide the purity of my 
heart. (100 days' once a day. ) 

23. Sweet heart of Mary,be my salvation. 
(300 days' each time.) 

24. My Queen, my Mother, remember 
I am thine: keep me, guard me as thy 
property and possession. (40 days' each 
time in temptation. ) 



EVENING PKAYERS. 



555 



25. Mary, Mother of God, and Mother 
of mercy, pray for me, and for the departed, 
(100 days 7 once a day.) 

26. Help us, Joseph, in our early strife; 
e'er to lead a pure and blameless life. (300 
days' once a day. ) 

27. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you 
my heart, my soul and my life. (100 days' 
each time.) 

28. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me 
in my last agony. (100 days' each time.) 

29. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I 
breathe forth my soul in peace with you. 
(100 days' once a day.) 

30. Angel of God, my Guardian dear, 
to whom his love commits me here; ever 
be at my side, to light and guard, to rule 
and guide. Amen. (100 days' each time.) 

Evening praters- 
Almighty and eternal God! I prostrate 
myself before thee and thank thee from my 
heart for all the blessings thou hast bestowed 
on me this day, for food and drink, for 
health and strength, for all thy holy lights 
and inspirations, and for all other graces 
which I cannot sufficiently understand or 
recollect. I thank thee for all through the 
sweetest heart of Jesus in the blessed Sac- 
rament. 



556 



DAILY PRAYERS. 



0 omniscient Grod ! who wast mindful of 
all my actions during this day, and hast 
numbered all my steps, and from whom 
none of my thoughts w r as hidden, enlighten 
my understanding, that I may know the 
evil I have done, and the good I have 
omitted; and also move my will to be 
heartily sorry for my transgressions and 
earnestly endeavor to amend them. 

Examine your conscience. 

0 my Grod! I am much grieved to find 
that I have again offended thee this day in 
many ways. Forgive me, 0 merciful Father ! 
I heartily regret that I have transgressed 
thy holy commandments, and have dis- 
pleased thee, O my Creator and Redeemer! 
who art worthy of all love. I resolve, by 
the assistance of thy grace, to live hence- 
forth a better life, and to remain faithful 
to thee until death. 

Also hear my prayers, at the close of this 
day, for all those who are in any way 
connected with me. Bless, O Lord! all my 
relatives and acquaintances ; my benefactors, 
friends, and enemies. Protect my spiritual 
and temporal superiors, our Holy Father, 
the Pope, our Bishop, our Pastor, and the 
whole Church. Assist the poor and those 
wiio are afflicted, prisoners and travellers, 



EVENING PRAYERS. 00/ 

the sick and the dying. Rescue and pre- 
serve those who are in danger of losing 
their innocence; convert the sinners and 
the heretics , enlighten the heathens and 
infidels. Be merciful also to the poor souls 
in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings 
and bring them all, especially those for 
whom I am bound to pray, to eternal rest, 
and the joys of heaven. 

Visit, I beseech thee, O Lord! this habi- 
tation, and drive far from it all snares of 
the enemy, let thy holy Angels dwell therein 
to keep us in peace ; and may thy blessing 
be upon us always. 

May the almighty and merciful Lord 
bless and protect me: the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Grhost. 

Cburcb SHpmn. 

Before the day's last moments fly, 
Maker of all ! to thee we cry ; 
Beneath thy kind protection take, 
And shield us for thy mercy's sake. 

Let no ill dreams our souls alarm ; 
No powers of night approach to harm ; 
Defend us from the tempter's art, 
And keep us ever pure in heart. 

Father of mercies ! hear our cry ; 
0 hear, co-equal Son most high! 



558 



DAILY PRAYERS. 



Whom with the Spirit we adore, 
One only Grod for evermore. 

Holy and immaculate Virgin and Mother 
of Grod ! to thy blessed keeping and special 
protection, and to the bosom of thy tender 
compassion, I recommend my soul and 
body; all my hopes and consolations; all 
my needs and anxieties; my life and death, 
that, by thy intercession and merits, all my 
doings may be guided and disposed of 
according to thine and the greater pleasure 
of thy divine Son. 

St. Joseph! my Angel Guardian! and all 
ye my holy Patrons ! defend and keep me in 
safety through this night. Praise my Grod 
for me without ceasing whilst I sleep, and 
deign to bestow on me your blessing in 
answer to my humble prayers. 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph! I give you my 
heart, my soul and my life. 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph! assist me in my 
last agony. 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! may I breathe 
forth my soul in peace with you. 

Save me, O Lord! watching; guard me 
sleeping; that I may watch with Christ, 
and may rest in peace. 

O Sacrament most holy! 0 Sacrament ^ 
divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be 
every moment thine. 



praters for 1bol£ flDass. 

Gbe Hsperges. 

While the Priest sprinkles Holy Water before Solemn 
Mass on Sundays, the following anthems are sung: 

Ant. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, 
0 Lord! and I shall be cleansed; thou shalt 
wash me, and I shall be made whiter than 
snow. 

P. Have mercy on me, 0 Grod! according 
to thy great mercy, 
y. Grlory, etc. 
Ant. Thou shalt, etc. 

The Priest returning to the foot of the altar says: 

Show us, O Lord! thy mercy. 
fy. And grant us thy salvation, 
y. O Lord! hear my prayer. 
^. And let my cry come unto thee, 
y. The Lord be with you. 
1^. And with thy spirit. 

LET US PRAY. 

Graciously hear us, 0 holy Lord! Father 
Almighty ! Eternal Grod ! and vouchsafe to 
send thy holy Angel from heaven, who may 
keep, cherish, protect, visit and defend ail 

[559] 



560 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



who dwell in this habitation. Through 
Christ our Lord. 
R. Amen. 

I.— Zhe ©rfcinar^ of flfcaes* 

(As on Corpus ChrishS) 

Ht tbe BegmnuiQ ot /IDass. 

The Priest at the foot of the altar begins, saying: 

Zhc Hltar prater* 

^ In the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Grhost. Amen. 
Ant. I will go unto the altar of Grod. 
1^. To Grod who rejoiceth my youth. 

Psalm. 

P. Judge me, O Grod! and distinguish 
my cause from the nation that is not holy ; 
deliver me from the unjust and deceitful 
man. 

Jfy. For thou, G-od! art my strength, why 
hast thou cast me off ? and why do I go 
sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me? 

P. Send forth thy light and thy truth; 
they have conducted me, and brought me to 
thy holy mount, and into thy tabernacles. 

ty. And I will go unto the altar of God, 
who giveth joy to my youth. 

P. I will praise thee on the harp, 0 Grod ! 
my Grod! why art thou sorrowful, O my 
soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 561 



1^. Hope in God, for I will still praise 
him who isfehe salvation of my countenance, 
and my God. 

P. Glory be to the Father , and to the 
Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 

fy. As it was in the beginning, is now 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

P. I will go unto the altar of God. 

1^. To God who giveth joy to my youth. 

P. Our help is in the name of the Lord. 

ty. Who made heaven and earth. 

Then the Priest humbly bowing down> says: 

P. I confess to Almighty God, etc. 

1^. May Almighty God be merciful unto 
thee, and forgiving thy sins, bring thee to 
life everlasting. 

P. Amen, 

Tty. I confess to Almighty God, to blessed 
Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the 
Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to 
the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, to all the 
Saints, and to you, Father, that I have 
sinned exceedingly in thought, word and 
deed, through my fault, through my fault, 
through my most grievous fault. Therefore 
I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, 
blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John 
the Baptist, the holy Apostles, Peter and 
Paul, and all the Saints, to pray to our Lord 
God for me. 



562 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



The Priest \with hands joined, says: 

P. May Almighty Grod be merciful unto 
you, and forgiving you your sins, bring you 
to life everlasting. 

fy. Amen. 

Signing himself with the sign of the cross, he says: 

P. Hh May the Almighty and Merciful 
Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and 
remission of our sins. 
Amen. 

Then, bowing dozvn, he proceeds: 

P. Thou, 0 God! being turned, wilt 
enliven us. 

fy. And thy people will rejoice in thee. 

P. Show us, O Lord! thy mercy. 

1$. And grant us thy salvation. 

P. O Lord! hear my prayer. 

1$. And let my cry come unto thee. 

P. The Lord be with you. 

Ify. And with thy spirit. 

And ascending to the altar ; he says secretly: 

P. Take away from us our iniquities, we 
beseech thee, O Lord! that we may be 
worthy to enter with pure minds into the 
Holy of Holies. Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

He then bows over the altar, and says: 

We beseech thee, O Lord! by the merits 
of thy saints, whose relics are here, and of 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



563 



all the saints that thou wouldst vouchsafe 
to forgive me all my sins. Amen. 

At High Mass the altar is here incensed. After 
ivhich the Priest turns to the book, makes the sign of the 
cross, and reads: 

Ube flntroit 

He fed them with the fat of wheat, and 
filled them with honey from the rock. 

B> Rejoice unto Gk>d, our helper; sing 
aloud to the Gk)d of Jacob. 

V. Grlory be to the Father. 

After the Introit, is alternately said: 

P. Lord! have mercy on us. 

Iy. Lord! have mercy on us. 

P. Lord! have mercy on us. 

1^. Christ! have mercy on us. 

P. Christ! have mercy on us. 

3^. Christ! have mercy on us. 

P. Lord! have mercy on us. 

J^. Lord! have mercy on us. 

P. Lord! have mercy on us. 

Then the Priest, standing at the middle of the altar, 
extending, and then joining his hands, says: 

Zhe (Bloria, 

Grlory be to Gk>d on high, and on earth 
peace to men of good will ; we praise thee ; 
we bless thee; we adore thee; we glorify 
thee. We give thee thanks for thy great 



564 PRATERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



glory, 0 Lord Gk>d! heavenly King! Grod 
the Father Almighty ! 0 Lord* Jesus Christ , 
the only begotten Son ! 0 Lord Grod, Lamb 
of Grod, Son of the Father! vtho takest 
away the sins of the world, have mercy 
upon us ; thou who takest away the sins of the 
world, receive our prayer ; thou who sittest 
at the right hand of the Father, have mercy 
upon us. For thou only art holy; thou 
only art Lord; thou only, O Jesus Christ! 
with the Holy Grhost, art most high in the 
glory of Grod, the Father. Amen. 

Kissing the altar, and turning to the people, he says: 

P. The Lord be with you. 
1^. And with thy spirit. 

Then follows the Collect: 

LET US PRAY. 

0 Grod! who under a marvelous Sacra- 
ment has left us the memory of thy Pas- 
sion; grant us, we beseech thee, so to ven- 
erate the sacred mysteries of thy body and 
blood, that we may ever feel within us the 
fruit of thy redemption. O thou thatlivest 
and reignest with Grod, the Father, in unity 
with Grod the Holy Grhost, world without end. 
Amen. 

After the Collect follows: 

Zhc Epistle. 

Brethren! I have received of the Lord 
that which also I delivered unto you, that 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



565 



the Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in 
which he was betrayed, took bread, and 
giving thanks, broke and said: Take ye and 
eat : This is my body which shall be delivered 
for you ; this do for the commemoration of 
me. In like manner also the chalice, after 
he had supped, saying: This chalice is the 
new testament in my blood; this do ye, as 
often as you shall drink, for the commemora- 
tion of me. For as often as you shall eat 
this bread and drink the chalice, you shall 
show the death of the Lord, until he come. 
Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread or 
drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, 
shall be guilty of the body and of the blood 
of the Lord. But let a man prove himself, 
and so let him eat of that bread and drink 
of that chalice. For he that eateth and 
drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh 
judgment to himself, not discerning the 
body of the Lord. 

fy. Thanks be to Grod. 

Then is said: 

Zhc ©ra&ual. 

The eyes of all hope in thee, 0 Lord! and 
thou givest them in due season. Thou 
openest thy hand, and fillest every living 
creature with blessing, alleluia, alleluia. My 
flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink 



566 PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS . 

indeed ; he that eateth iny flesh and drinketh 
my blood, abideth in me and I in him. 

The book is moved to the other side, and the Priest, 
standing at the middle of the altar, says: 

Cleanse my heart and my lips, 0 Almighty 
God ! who didst cleanse the lips of the pro- 
phet Isaias with a burning coal : vouchsafe 
so to cleanse me by thy gracious mercy, 
that I may be able worthily to proclaim thy 
holy Gospel. Through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Give me thy blessing. 0 Lord! 

The Lord be in my heart and on my lips, 
that I may "worthily and in a becoming 
manner announce his holy Gospel. Amen. 

The Priest now proceeds to the Gospel side, and says: 

P. The Lord be with you. 
R . And with thy spirit. 

P t (Making the sign of the cross.) The Con- 
tinuation of the holy Gospel according to X. 
R. Glory be to thee, 0 Lord! 

XTbe 6ospeL 

Gospel, John VI. At that time Jesus 
said to the multitude of the Jews, my flesh 
is meat indeed, and my blood is drink in- 
deed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh 
my blood, abideth in me, and I in him. As 
the living Father hath sent me, and I live 



THE ORDINAEY OF MASS. 



567 



by the Father, so he that eateth me, the 
same also shall live by me. This is the 
bread that came down from heaven. Not 
as your fathers did eat manna and are dead. 
He that eateth this bread shall live forever. 
II. Praise be to thee, 0 Christ! 

Then follows: 

Ube IRicene Greet)* 

( Omitted in some Masses.) 

I believe in one Grod, the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things 
visible and invisible. 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only 
begotten Son of Grod, and born of the 
Father before all ages; Gk>d of Grod, light 
of light, true Grod of true Grod; begotten not 
made; consubstantial to the Father, by 
whom all things were made. Who for us 
men and for our salvation came down from 
heaven ; and became incarnate by the Holy 
Grhost, of the Virgin Mary; and was made 
man. He was crucified also for us, suffered 
under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And 
the third day he rose again according to the 
Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, sit- 
teth at the right hand of the Father; and 
he is to come again with glory to judge both 
the living and the dead ; of whose kingdom 
there shall be no end. 



568 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and 
Giver of life, who proceedeth from the 
Father and the Son, who, together with the 
Father and the Son, is adored and glorified; 
who spoke by the prophets. And one holy 
Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess 
one Baptism for the remission of sins. And 
I expect the resurrection of the dead, and 
the life of the world to come. Amen. 

Turning to the people, the Priest says: 

P. The Lord be with you. 

And with thy spirit. 
P. Let us pray. 

Then the Priest reads: 

TLhc ©fEertor£, 

The priests of the Lord offer incense and 
loaves unto God, and, therefore, shall they 
be holy to their God, and shall not defile 
his name. 

Then follozvs: 

Ube ©blatton of tbe Host, 

The Priest, taking the paten with the Host, says: 

Accept, O holy Father! almighty and 
eternal God! this unspotted host, which I, 
thy unworthy servant, offer unto thee, my 
living and true God, for my innumerable 
sins, offenses and negligences, and for all 
here present; as also for all faithful Christ- 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 569 

ians, both living and dead; that it may 
avail both me and them unto life everlasting. 
Amen. 

Afterwards the Priest goes to the Epistle side, pours 
wine into the chalice, and mixes it with a few drops of 
water, saying: 

Zhc micsBUxQ of tbe Mater. 

0 Grod ! who in creating human nature 
hast wonderfully dignified it, and still more 
wonderfully reformed it ; grant that, by the 
mystery of this water and wine, we may be 
made partakers of his divine nature, who 
vouchsafed to become partaker of our human 
nature, namely, Jesus Christ, our Lord, thy 
Son, who with thee, in the unity of, etc. 
Amen. 

The Priest then takes the chalice and offers it to God, 
standing at the middle of the altar. 

tlbe ©ffedng of tbe Cbaitce. 

We offer unto thee, O Lord! the Chalice 
of salvation, beseeching thy clemency, that 
it may ascend before thy divine Majesty, as 
a sweet odor for our salvation, and for that 
of the whole world. Amen. 

Bowing down, the Priest says: 

Accept us, O Lord! in the spirit of 
humility and contrition of heart ; and grant 
that the sacrifice we offer in thy sight, this 
day, may be pleasing to thee, 0 Lord God! 



576 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



He then blesses the bread and wine, saying: 

Come, O almighty and eternal God! the 
sanctifier, and bless this sacrifice, prepared 
for the glory of thy holy name. 

At the solemn High Mass, the altar is incensed; after 
which the Priest washes his hands ', reciting Psalm 25. 

XTbe Wasbxng of tbe IRanfcs, 

I will wash my hands among the innocent, 
and will compass thy altar, O Lord! 

That I may hear the voice of thy praise, 
and tell all thy wondrous works. 

I have loved, O Lord! the beauty of thy 
house, and the place where thy glory 
dwelleth. 

Take not away my soul with the wicked, 
nor my life with men of blood. 

In whose hands are iniquities: their right 
hand is filled with gifts. 

But I have walked in my innocence: 
redeem me and have mercy on me. 

My foot has stood in the direct way, in 
the churches I will bless thee, 0 Lord! 

Grlory be to the Father, etc. 

Returning, and bozving before the middle of the altar, 
he says: 

Receive, 0 holy Trinity! this oblation 
which we make to thee in memory of the 
passion, resurrection, and ascension of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of the 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



571 



blessed Mary ever a Virgin, of blessed John 
Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 
and of all the Saints; that it may be avail- 
able to their honor, and our salvation ; and 
that they may vouchsafe to intercede for us 
in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on 
earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Turning to the people ; the Priest says: 

Brethren! pray that my sacrifice and 
yours may be acceptable to God the Father 
Almighty. 

^. May the Lord receive the sacrifice 
from thy hands to the praise and glory of 
his own name, and to our benefit, and that 
of all his holy Church. 

He men recites: 

XTbe Secret prater* 

Unto thy Church, we beseech thee, 0 
Lord! do thou graciously grant the gifts of 
unity and peace; which, in the gifts offered, 
are mystically signified. Through, etc. 

Which being finished, he says aloud: 

Zhc preface, 

P. World without end. 
1^. Amen. 

P. The Lord be with you. 
^. And with thy spirit. 



572 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



P. Lift up your hearts. 
Iy. We have lifted them up to the Lord. 
P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our 
God. 

Iy. It is meet and just. 

It is truly meet and just, right and salu- 
tary, that we should always, and in all places, 
give thanks to thee, O holy Lord! Father 
almighty, eternal God! Because by the 
mystery of the "Word made flesh, the new 
light of thy brightness hath shone upon 
the eyes of our minds ; that while we behold 
God visibly, we may by him be carried on 
to the love of things invisible. And, there- 
fore, with the Angels and Archangels, with 
the Thrones and Dominations, and with all 
the army of the heavenly Host, we sing a 
hymn to thy glory, saying : 

Ube Sanctus* 

Here the Clerk ri?igs the bell thrice. 

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts! 
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. 
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that 
cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna 
in the highest. 

CTbe Canon. 

The Priest says, in a low voice: 

We, therefore, humbly pray and beseech 
thee, most merciful Father! through Jesus 



THE OKDINAKY OF MASS. 573 



Christ, thy Son, our Lord, to accept and 
bless these gifts, these *b presents, these 
holy unspotted sacrifices, which, in the 
first place, we offer thee for thy holy Cath- 
olic Church, to which vouchsafe to grant 
peace, as also to preserve, unite and govern 
it throughout the world ; together with thy 
servant N. our Pope, N. our Bishop, as also 
all orthodox believers and professors of the 
Catholic and Apostolic faith. 

Commemoration of tbe Xuung. 

Remember, 0 Lord! thy servants of both 
sexes, N. and N. 

And all here present, whose faith and 
devotion are known unto thee, for whom 
we offer up to thee this sacrifice, for them- 
selves, their families, and friends, for the 
redemption of their souls, for the health 
and salvation they hope for, and for which 
they now pay their vows to thee, the eternal, 
living, and true Grod. 

Communicating w T ith, and honoring in 
the first place, the memory of the ever- 
glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord 
and God Jesus Christ ; as also of the blessed 
Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, 
Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, 
Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and 
Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, 



574 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chryso- 
gonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, 
and of all thy Saints, through whose merits 
and prayers grant that we may be always 
defended by the help of thy protection. 
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Spreading his hands over the oblation , he continues: 

We, therefore, beseech thee, 0 Lord! 
graciously to accept this oblation of our 
servitude, as also of thy whole family: and 
to dispose our days in thy peace, preserve 
us from eternal damnation, and rank us in 
the number of thine elect. Through Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

Which oblation do thou, 0 God! vouch- 
safe in all respects to bless, *b approve, 
ratify, and accept ; that it may be made for 
us the ^ body and Hh blood of thy most 
beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

TLhc Consecration. 

The Priest takes the host into his hands, saying; 

Who, the day before he suffered, took 
bread into his holy and venerable hands, 
and with his eyes lifted up towards heaven, 
giving thanks to thee, Almighty God, his 
Father, he Hh blessed it, broke it, and gave 
it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat ye 
all of this, for This is my Body. 



THE OKDINAEY OP MASS. 



575 



After pronouncing the words of Consecration, the 
Priest '; kneeling adores the sacred Host; rising, he 
elevates it; then placing it on the corporal, again adores it, 

(At the elevation the bell is rung three times?) Talking 
the chalice into his hands, he says: 

In like manner after he had supped, 
taking also this excellent chalice into his 
holy and venerable hands, giving thee also 
thanks, he bles^sed, and gave it to his 
disciples, saying: Take and drink ye all of 
this, For this is the Chalice of my Blood of 
the new and eternal testament, the mystery of 
faith, which shall he shed for you an'd for 
many to the remission of sins. 

As often as ye do these things, ye shall 
do them in remembrance of me. 

Here, also kneeling, he adores the sacred chalice; 
rising, he elevates it; then replacing it on the corporal, 
he covers it, and again adores it. 

( The bell is here also rung three times.) 

The Priest then proceeds: 

Wherefore, 0 Lord! we, thy servants, as 
also thy holy people, calling to mind the 
blessed passion of the same Christ thy Son 
our Lord, his resurrection from the dead, 
and admirable ascension into heaven, offer 
unto thy most excellent Majesty of thy gifts 
bestowed as a pure HE* Host, a holy HE* Host, 
an unspotted Host, the hoty 4< bread of 
eternal life, and Hh chalice of everlasting 
salvation. 

Extending his hands, lie says: 



576 PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



Upon which vouchsafe to look with a 
propitious and serene countenance, and to 
accept them, as thou wert graciously pleased 
to accept the gifts of thy just servant Abel, 
and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, 
and that which thy high priest Melchisedech 
offered to thee, — a holy sacrifice and 
unspotted victim. 

Bowing down, he says: 

We most humbly beseech thee, Almighty 
Grod! to command these things to be carried 
by the hands of thy holy Angels to thy 
altar on high, in the sight of thy divine 
Majesty, that as many as shall partake of 
the most sacred >b body and Hh blood of thy 
Son at this altar, may be filled with every 
heavenly grace and blessing. Through the 
same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Commemoration of the 2Dea&* 

Be mindful, 0 Lord! of thy servants N. 
and N., who are gone before us with the 
sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. 

Here particular mention is made of such of the dead, 
for which the Mass is offered up. 

To these, O Lord! and to all that sleep 
in Christ, grant, we beseech thee, a place of 
refreshment, light and peace. Through the 
same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Striking his breast, and raising his voice a tittle, the 
Priest says: 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



577 



Also to us sinners, thy servants, confiding 
in the multitude of thy mercies, vouchsafe 
to grant some part and fellowship with thy 
holy Apostles and Martyrs; with John, 
Stephen, Mathias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Peter, 
Alexander, Marcellinus, Felicitas, Perpetua, 
Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and 
with all thy Saints ; into whose company, we 
beseech thee, to admit us, not in consider- 
ation of our merit, but of thy own gratuitous 
pardon. Through Christ our Lord. 

By whom, O Lord! thou dost always 
create, sanctify, ^ quicken, HE* bless, and 
give us all these good things. 

He makes a genuflection, and continues, taking the 
sacred Host into his hands: 

By him, and with him, and >t* in him, 
is to thee, Grod the Father * Almighty, in 
the unity of the *h Holy Grhost, all honor 
and glory. 

He makes another genuflection, and says aloud; 

Ube pater IRoster, 

{The Lord's Prayer.) 

P. For ever and ever. 
Iy. Amen. 

LET US PRAY. 

Instructed by thy saving precepts, and 
following thy divine teachings, we dare to 
say: 



578 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed 
be thy name ; thy kingdom come ; thy will 
be done on earth, as in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread, and forgive us our 
trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass 
against us. And lead us not into tempta- 
tion. 

R. But deliver us from evil. 
P. Amen. 

Afterwards the Priest continues t in a low voice: 

Deliver us, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! 
from all evils, past, present and to come: 
and by the intercession of the blessed and 
ever-glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, 
and of the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, 
and of Andrew, and of all the Saints, 
mercifully grant peace in our days, that, 
through the assistance of thy mercy, we 
may be always free from sin, and secure 
from all disturbance. Through the same 
Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who, 
with, thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and 
reigneth, God. 

77?^ Priest genuflects, breaks the sacred Host, and 
makes the sign of the cross thrice, with a particle thereof, 
over the chalice, saving: 

P. World without end. 
R. Amen. 

P. The peace of the Lord be 4« always 
with you. 

R. And with thy spirit. 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



579 



He puts the particle into the chalice saying: 

May this mixture and consecration of the 
body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be 
to us that receive it effectual to eternal life. 
Amen. 

Covering the chalice, and making a genuflection , he 
bows down, strikes his breast three times, and says: 

Lamb of Grod ! who takest away the sins 
of the world, have mercy on us. 

Lamb of God! who takest away the sins 
of the world, have mercy on us. 

Lamb of Grod ! who takest away the sins 
of the world, give us peace. 

Then he continues: 

Lord Jesus Christ! who saidst to thy 
Apostles, I leave you peace, I give you my 
peace ; regard not my sins, but the faith of 
thy Church ; and grant her that peace and 
unity which is agreeable to thy will; who 
livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. 

At solemn High Mass, here, the kiss of peace is given. 

Lord Jesus Christ ! Son of the living Grod, 
who, according to the will of thy Father, 
hast by thy death, through the co-operation 
of the Holy Grhost, given life to the world, 
deliver me by this thy most sacred body 
and blood, from all my iniquities, and from 
all evils; and make me always adhere to 
thy commandments, and never suffer me 
to be separated from thee ; who livest and 
reignest with Grod the Father, etc. Amen. 



580 PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



Let not the participation of thy body, 0 
Lord Jesus Christ! which I, though unwor- 
thy, presume to receive, turn to my judg- 
ment and condemnation ; but through thy 
mercy may it be a safeguard and remedy, 
both to soul and body ; who with God the 
Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, 
livest and reignest God for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Ube Communion- 

The Priest makes a genuflection, and taking the sacred 
Host in his hands, says : 

I will take the bread of heaven, and call 
upon the name of our Lord. 

Striking his breast with humility and devotion, he 
says thrice, the Acolyth ri?iging the bell each time: 

Lord ! I am not worthy that thou shouldst 
enter under my roof: say but the word, and 
my soul shall be healed. 

Taking both parts of the sacred Host in his right 
hand, and making the sign of the cross with it upon 
himself, he says: 

May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ 
preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen. 

He then receives the sacred Host, and after a short 
meditation uncovers the chalice, and putting into it zvith 
the paten the smallest atoms of the Host left upon the 
corporal, says: 

What return shall I make the Lord for 
all he has given to me? I will take the 
chalice of salvation, and call upon the name 



THE OEDINABY OF MASS. 



581 



of the Lord. Praising, I will call upon the 
Lord, and shall be saved from my enemies. 

Taking the chalice in his right ha7id, and making the 
sign of the cross with it upon himself, he says: 

May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ 
preserve my soul to everlasting life. Amen. 

The Priest then receives the most precious blood, 
together with the particles in it. 

[Here the Holy Communion is administered, if there 
are persons to receive. Those who are to commmiicate 
go up to the sanctuary at the Domine non sum dignus, 
when the bell rings. ] 

The priest then puts wine, and again wine and water 
into the chalice, to clean it, and taking the first ablution, 
he says: 

Grant, 0 Lord! that what we have taken 
with our mouth, we may receive with a pure 
mind, that of a temporal gift it may become 
to us an eternal remedy. 

Taking the second abluiicn, he says: 

May thy body, O Lord! which I have 
received, and thy blood which I have drunk, 
cleave to my bowels ; and grant that no stain 
of sin may remain in me, who have been 
fed with this pure and holy sacrament. 
Who livest, etc. 

Afterwards he wipes the chalice and covers it; then 
reads a prayer called: 

Communion* 

As often as you shall eat this bread, and 
drink the chalice, you shall show the death 
of the Lord until he come. Therefore, who- 



582 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



soever shall eat this bread or drink the 
chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be 
guilty of the body and of the blood of the 
Lord. Alleluia. 

Turning to the people > he says: 

P. The Lord be with you. 
1^. And with thy spirit. 

Then the Priest reads the Post-Commtutio : 
LET US PRAY. 

G-rant us, we beseech thee, 0 Lord! to be 
filled with the everlasting fruition of thy 
G-od-head, which the reception, in this life, 
of thy precious body and blood presignify. 
0 thou, that livest, etc. 

Afterwards he turns again towards the people \ and 
says: 

P. The Lord be with you. 
1^. And with thy spirit. 
P. Gro, you are dismissed; or, Let us 
bless the Lord. 

R. Thanks be to Gk>d. 

Then bowing down before the altar, he says: 

Let the performance of my homage be 
pleasing to thee, O holy Trinity! and grant 
that the sacrifice which I, though unworthy, 
have offered up in the sight of thy Majesty, 
may be acceptable to thee, and through thy 
mercy be a propitiation for me, and all 
those for whom it has been offered. 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



583 



He then gives the blessing ( which, hoivevcr, is not 
given in Masses for the dead) saying: 

May Almighty Grod, the Father , Son, 
and Holy Grhost bless you. 
Tfy. Amen. 

Then turning towards the Gospel side, he says: 

P. The Lord be with you. 
Iy. And with thy spirit. 

Placing the sign of the cross upon the altar, and then 
upon his forehead, lips, and heart, he says: 

P. The beginning of the holy Grospel 
according to St. John. 

1^. Grlory be to thee, 0 Lord! 

And then reads the Gospel of St. fohn, if no other is 
appointed. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the 
Word was with God, and the Word was 
Grod. The same was in the beginning with 
Glod. All things were made by him, and 
without him was made nothing that was 
made. In him was life, and the life was 
the light of men ; and the light shineth in 
darkness, and the darkness did not com- 
prehend it. 

There was a man sent from Grod, whose 
name was John. This man came for a 
witness to give testimony of the light, that 
all might believe through him. He was not 
the light, but came to give testimony of the 
light. That was the true light which en- 



584 PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 

lighteneth every man that cometh into this 
world. 

He was in the world, and the world was 
made by him, and the world knew him not. 
He came unto his own, and his own received 
him not. But as many as received him, to 
them he gave power to be made the sons of 
God; to them that believe in his name, who 
are born, not of blood, nor of the will of 
the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt 
among us; and we saw his glory, as it were 
the glory of the only begotten of the Father, 
full of grace and truth. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

praters orfcerefc ftg pope Xeo xin. 

To be said, kneeling, after the celebration of Low 
Mass in all the churches of the world. 

The Priest with the people recites the Hail Mary thriu ; 
then the 

Salve Regixa. 

Hail! holy queen, Mother of mercy, our 
life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee 
do we cry, poor banished children of Eve ; 
to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning 
and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, 
then, most gracious advocate! thine eyes of 
mercy towards us, and, after this our exile, 
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



585 



Jesus. 0 clement, 0 loving, 0 sweet 
Virgin Mary! 

V. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God! 

1^. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

O Grod! our refuge and our strength, look 
down with favor upon thy people, who cry 
to thee; and through the intercession of the 
glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, 
Mother of Grod, of her spouse, blessed 
Joseph, of thy holy Apostles, Peter and 
Paul, and all the Saints, mercifully and 
graciously hear the prayers, which we pour 
forth to thee, for the conversion of sinners, 
and the liberty and exaltation of holy mother 
Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Add the Invocation. 

St. Michael the Archangel! defend us in 
battle ; be our protection against the malice 
and snares of the devil. We humbly beseech 
God to command him: and do thou, O 
prince of the heavenly host ! by the divine 
power thrust into hell Satan and the other 
evil spirits who roam through the world 
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 

To all those who recite these prayers as directed, Our 
Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII., grants an indulgence of 
joo days. 



586 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



©tber praters for flfrass, 

Ht tbe 35eginmng of flhass. 

0 ray Grod ! I firmly believe that thou art 
here present. I most humbly adore thee in 
union with all the Angels and Saints. For 
thy greater honor and glory I will now hear 
this holy Mass. Give me the grace to assist 
at it with due devotion and reverence. 
Cleanse me from my sins. I am heartily 
sorry for all of them, and I promise never 
to offend thee again. 

Offering of tbe /IDass. 

(In du Igen ce of th ree yea rs.) 

Eternal Father! I offer thee the sacrifice 
which thy beloved Son, Jesus, made of him- 
self on the cross, and now renews on this 
altar. I offer it in the name of all creatures, 
together with the masses which have been 
said and which will be said throughout the 
whole world, to adore thee and to give thee 
the honor which thou deserves! ; to render 
thee the thanks which are due thee for thy 
numberless benefits, to appease thy anger, 
and to satisfy for our many sins-, to suppli- 
cate thee for myself, for the Church, for the 
whole world, and for the blessed souls in 
purgatory^ 



OTHER PRAYERS FOR MASS. 587 

Ht tbe Ifcprie JEleisotu 

When the Priest goes from the mass-book to the middle 
of the altar. 

Have mercy on me, 0 Lord! Have 
mercy on me, my dear Jesus! Have mercy 
on me, 0 my good Grod ! and forgive me my 
sins. 

Ht tbe Gloria, 

(From St. Gertrude.) 

O great Glod! I unite myself with the 
Angels and Saints of heaven to sing thy 
praise and glory. Thou art the being of all 
beings-, the life of all life; the beginning 
without beginning and without end. Thou 
art worthy of all praise. May, therefore, O 
my Lord and God ! thy goodness, thy wis- 
dom, thy mercy, and all thy other innumer- 
able perfections praise thee. 

May Jesus Christ, thy only Son; his holy 
life and actions; his holy virtues and 
prayers; his holy passion and death; his 
resurrection and ascension praise thee. 

May the most illustrious queen of heaven, 
the most chaste Virgin Mary, praise thee. 

May St. Joseph, the holy foster-father, 
and all the Saints of Christ, praise thee. 

May the entire holy Church sing joyfully 
unto thee; may all her holy sacraments do 
thee honor ; and all her sacred ceremonies 



588 PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



and usages, all her psalms and prayers 
praise thee. 

May the whole creation, all plants and 
trees, the water and the air, and all living 
creatures praise thee. 

May all names, all words, all songs which 
can be spoken or used, praise thee. 

I praise thee, O thrice holy Grod! with all 
the powers of my body; with all my veins 
and limbs; with all my bones and every 
drop of my blood; with all my will, my 
understanding, my memory ; with my whole 
heart and its incessant beating and moving. 

Praise, honor and glory be unto thee, 
Grod the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Grhost, now and in all eternity. Amen. 

Ht tbe Bommus Wobfscum. 

When the Priest turns towards the people. 

Be thou always with us, O my God! and 
let thy grace never depart from us. 

Ht tbe Collects- 

When the Priest reads the prayers at the mass-book. 

0 Grod! hear, I beseech thee, the prayers 
of the priest, thy servant, and our own 
humble prayers which we offer thee for our- 
selves, this congregation, and the whole 
Church. 

Loosen, 0 Lord! we pray thee, in thy 



OTHER PRAYERS FOR MASS. 589 

pity ? the bonds of our sins, and by the in- 
tercession of the blessed and ever Virgin 
Mary, Mother of Grod, St. Joseph, the 
blessed Apostles St. Peter and Paul, and 
all the Saints, keep us, thy servants, and 
our abodes, in all holiness; cleanse us, our 
relations, kinsfolk, and acquaintances, from 
all stain of sin; adorn us with all virtue; 
grant us peace and health ; drive far off all 
our enemies visible and invisible ; bridle our 
carnal appetites ; give us healthful seasons ; 
bestow thy love upon our friends and our 
enemies ; guard the holy city ; preserve our 
Sovereign Pontiff, N. ; and defend all our 
prelates, princes and all thy Christian people 
from all adversity. Let thy blessing be 
ever upon us, and grant to all the faithful 
departed eternal rest. Through Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

( Indulgence of 40 days.) 

Ht tbe Bpistle, 

What the Priest is reading now, is a 
chapter from the Bible — the very word of 
Grod. Grod, in his goodness, not only created 
man according to his own image, but he 
also made known to him, through his ser- 
vants, the priests of the Old and New Law, 
what he must believe and do to save his 
soul for heaven. 



590 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



Mayest thou, 0 Lord! give me, therefore, 
the grace to believe all thy holy doctrines. 
Give me the necessary understanding to 
know "what I must do ; and give me also the 
strength to do it. I will courageously walk 
on the way to heaven. I will avoid every- 
thing that may rob me of my holy faith. I 
will do everything that may help to increase 
my faith. I will live and die in the holy 
Catholic faith. 0 God! assist me to do so. 

Ht tbe (Sospel. 

When the people rise. 

0 Jesus ! thou hast the words of eternal 
life ; teach me, I beseech thee, what I must 
do to merit and obtain life. 

Ansiver of Jesus: "If thou wilt enter into 
life, my child, and obtain heaven, keep the 
commandments. Love the Lord thy God 
with thy whole heart, and with thy whole 
soul, and with thy whole mind, and with 
thy whole strength. Seek first the kingdom 
of heaven, and all other things shall be given 
to thee. Love thy neighbor as thyself. Love 
thy enemies; do good to those that hate 
thee, and pray for those that persecute thee. 
Take thy cross upon thee and follow me. 
Watch and pray, that thou enterest not into 
temptation. Happy they, who hear the 
word of God, and keep it." 



OTHER PRAYERS FOR MASS. 591 

0 my good Saviour ! give me grace to lay 
to heart these and all thy holy precepts; 
and to practice them. What will it profit 
me to know the way of life, if I do not show 
forth in my conduct that I am thy child. 0 
Jesus! assist me to believe in thee, to love 
thee, and to imitate thee. 

m tbe Cree5, 

Say the Apostles" Creed with great devotion. 

1 believe in Grod the Father, etc. 

Ht tbe ©ffertorp. 

When the Priest offers to God bread and zvine. 

Receive, 0 holy Father! almighty and 
eternal Glod! this bread and wine which 
thy priest offers thee, for myself, for all 
those here present, and for all the faithful, 
the living and the dead. 

In union with this offering accept, 0 
Lord! the offering which I now make of 
myself. Take and receive all my liberty, 
my memory, my understanding, my wiil, 
all that I am or have. Thou hast given 
me all. To thee, O Lord! I return it. 
Dispose of it according to thy pleasure. 
And as thou wilt change this offering of the 
priest into the body and blood of thy divine 
Son, change also me, so that I may hence- 
forth be all thine and thou all mine. 



592 



PRAYEKS FOB HOLY MASS. 



Ht tbe Xavmbo, 

When the Priest washes his fingers. 

0 Lord! wash my soul and cleanse it 
from all stains of sin. Let my first and most 
earnest care be to keep myself unspotted 
from every defilement and to pass through 
this life in such a manner, that on the 
judgment-day I maybe found worthy of the 
everlasting joys of heaven. 

Ht tbe ©rate ffratres. 

When the Priest, after havi?ig washed his hands, 
turns to the people. 

0 Lord! hear the prayers of all thy 
faithful united here to offer this great sacri- 
fice, which we implore thee to receive for 
the glory of thy name, for our particular 
benefit and the good of all thy Church. 
Pour forth into our hearts the dispositions 
necessary to assist with fruit at this great 
act of our religion ; sanctify the priest who 
celebrates thy divine mysteries, and purify 
his hands and heart that he may be in a 
state to draw down thy graces on himself 
and on us. 

Ht tbe preface* 

0 eternal Father! the moment approaches 
when thy divine Son, our Saviour Jesus 
Christ, is about to descend on this altar. 
Nothing of earth should now engage my 



OTHER PRAYERS FOR MASS. 593 

mind. My heart should sigh only after him 
who taketh away the sins of the world. 

O Grod ! by what gratitude shall I acknowl- 
edge thy benefits, and especially that of 
giving us thy only begotten Son, who every 
day, and several times a day, renews for us 
the sacrifice which he offered thee on Calvary. 

Through him, therefore, and in union 
with the Angels and Saints of heaven, 
permit us all to glorify thee, and to say 
with one heart and one mind, with joy, 
love and gratitude : 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Grod of Hosts; 
the earth is full of thy glory. Grlory be to 
the Father ; glory be to the Son ; glory be 

to the Holy Grhost. (Indulgence of 100 days.) 

Ht tbe Canon* 

{At which the most sacred part of the Mass commences.) 

0 Lord Jesus Christ! who, to redeem the 
world, didst want to be born amongst 
men, to be circumcised, to be rejected, and 
persecuted by the Jews, to be betrayed 
by the traitor Judas, with a. kiss, and 
as a lamb, gentle and innocent, to be 
bound with cords, and dragged, in scorn, 
before the tribunals of Annas, Caiphas, 
Pilate and Herod ; who didst suffer thyself 
to be accused by false witnesses, to be 



594 



PRAY EES FOE HOLY MASS. 



torn by the scourge and overwhelmed 
with opprobrium; to be spit upon, to be 
crowned with thorns, struck with a reed, 
blindfolded, stripped of thy garments: to 
be nailed to the cross and raised on it 
between two thieves ; to be given gall and 
vinegar to drink, and to be pierced with a 
lance; do thou, O Lord! by these thy most 
sacred pains, and by thy holy cross and 
death, which we gratefully remember in 
this holy sacrifice of Mass and in every holy 
Mass, save me from the pains of hell, and 
bring me whither thou didst bring the good 
thief who was crucified with thee. 

Also grant, through these thy cruel pains 
and death, and this holy sacrifice, which is 
the unbloody renewal of thy sacrifice on the 
cross, grace and life everlasting to all those 
for whom we offer thee this holy Mass, 
especially our Holy Father, the Pope, our 
bishop, all the bishops and priests, our 
relations, friends and enemies. 

But above all give us now the grace 
worthily to receive and adore thee, who art 
about to come down upon this altar. Verily 
thou, O Lord! art descending from thy 
heavenly throne. Thou art, through the 
hands of the priest, changing the bread and 
Wine on the altar into thy most sacred body 
and blood. 



OTHER PRAYERS FOR MASS. 595 

Ht tbe Blevation of tbe Sacrefc Most. 

(The bell is rung Ihrice.) 

Hail, sweetest Jesus! prostrate in the 
greatest humility, I worship and adore thee. 
O Jesus, have mercy on me! O good Jesus, 
spare me! O most compassionate Jesus, be 
merciful to me a sinner! 

Ht tbe Elevation of tbe precious 3Bloo&* 

( The bell is rung Ihrice?) 

Hail, most precious blood of my Lord! 
prostrate before thee in lowliest devotion I 
worship and adore thee. O sacred blood, 
w^ash me! O crimson blood, cleanse me! 0 
most precious blood, cry out for me unto 
Grod the Father, that he may have mercy 
on me! 

Hfter tbe Elevation* 

{From Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque.) 

0 Jesus, now really and truly present on 
the altar, look at me with eyes of mercy. 
Heart of my Jesus, have mercy on me. 
Heart of my Creator, perfect me. 
Heart of my Saviour, save me. 
Heart of my Judge, pardon me. 
Heart of my Father, govern me. 
Heart of my Spouse, love me. 
Heart of my Master, teach me. 
Heart of my King, crown me. 



596 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



Heart of my Benefactor, enrich me. 
Heart of my Pastor, keep me. 
Heart of my Friend, caress me. 
Heart of the Infant Jesus, attract me. 
Heart of Jesus dying on the cross, atone 
for me. 

Heart of Jesus in all its conditions, give 
thyself to me. 

Heart of my Brother, remain with me. 

Heart of incomparable goodness, forgive 
me. 

Heart most glorious, shine forth in me. 
Heart most amiable, inflame me. 
Heart most charitable, work in me. 
Heart most merciful, answer for me. 
Heart most humble, teach me humility. 
Heart most patient, bear with me. 
Heart most faithful, make satisfaction 
for me. 

Heart most peaceful, calm me. 

Heart most beautiful, delight me. 

Heart most perfect, ennoble me. 

Heart most holy, sanctify me. 

Heart most blessed, true physician and 
remedy for all our ills, heal me. 

Heart of Jesus, consolation of the afflicted, 
comfort me. 

Heart of Jesus, source of all happiness, 
strengthen me. 



OTHER PBAYEBS FOB MASS. 597 

Heart of eternal benediction, call me to 
thee. 

Give me, 0 Jesus ! and all those for whom 
thou desirest me to pray , thy grace and thy 
sweet love. Grant us the forgiveness of our 
sins; thy holy friendship; peace of heart 
and mind ; and to the poor souls in purga- 
tory, especially the soul of N.N., give eternal 
rest. 

at tbe pater Hester- 

Our Father, who art in heaven, etc. 

O Father, O Son, 0 Holy Ghost! 0 most 
holy Trinity! 0 Jesus, our Lord and 
Saviour! who hast taught us the beautiful 
prayer which the priest is saying now, grant 
that all the graces for which we ask in this 
holy prayer may be given to me, but more 
especially the following, viz: 1. To do 
always the will of God. 2. To remain 
always united with God. 3. To think of 
no other than of God. 4. To love God 
alone. 5. To do all for God. 6. To seek 
only the glory of God. 7. To know better 
and better the will of God. 8. To trust in 
God in all my bodily and spiritual needs. 
9. To receive always worthily, in holy com- 
munion, the precious body and blood of my 
God and Saviour. 10L To nourish, for 
God's sake, a true love to mv neighbor, no 

20 



598 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



one excepted. 11. To call upon the help 
of God in all my temptations, and not to 
commit sin in them. 12. To be, after my 
death, delivered from the pains of hell, and 
admitted to the happy vision of God in 
heaven. 

Most holy Mary ! and all ye Saints ! obtain 
for me these graces. I ask for them in the 
name of him who is now offering himself 
for me on this altar, and who has shed for 
me his most precious blood on the altar of 
the cross. 

at bol£ Communion. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I confess that thou 
art the true and living bread which came 
down from heaven, and that thou art now 
truly present on the altar. 

1 believe in thy words: "He that eateth 
my flesh and drinketh my blood, remain eth 
in me and I in him, and he shall have life 
everlasting/' 

Alas, I am not prepared and not worthy 
to receive thee at this moment. But I 
know that thou canst, without thy real visit, 
with a single word, purify my soul. Do so 
then, my dear Jesus! Remove from my 
heart everyt hi ng that displeases thee, and 
fill it with thy holy grace. Come to me 
spiritually. 0 Lord ! and heal my sinful soul. 



OTHER PRAYERS FOR MASS. 599 

Feed me, for I am hungry. Strengthen 
me, for I am weak. Enlighten me, for I 
am in darkness. Gruide me, for I am blind. 
Lead me on the path of salvation, until I 
shall be united to thee in heaven, never to 
be separated. 

at tbe last prater. 

May, 0 Lord! the oblation of this holy 
sacrifice, at which we have assisted, both 
cleanse and defend us; and by the inter- 
cession of the blessed Virgin Mary, her 
spouse, St. Joseph, the Apostles Peter and 
Paul, and all the Saints, free us from sin, 
and deliver us from all evil. 

O my Jesus! during the hours of thy 
holy passion, thou didst suffer unspeakably 
in order to render full satisfaction to the 
divine justice for us, to merit for us eternal 
happiness, and to make the way of the 
cross and self-denial easy and agreeable to 
us. For the same purpose thou didst offer 
thyself in this holy mass and art continu- 
ously offering thyself upon our altars. 

Ah, let not all thou hast done and art yet 
doing for us, be lost on me or on any of 
those dear to me. May we become daily 
more wise and virtuous, more humble and 
obedient, more patient and gentle. 



600 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



This grant us for the honor of thy Father, 
for thy own honor, 0 Jesus Christ, true 
Son of God! and for the honor of the 
Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Ht tbe Xast OospeL 

O eternal Word! who wast made man 
that thou mayest make men the children 
of God, I thank thee for this unspeakable 
grace; and grant, O Jesus! that I may 
preserve this blessed title of a child of God 
by faithfully imitating thy sacred example. 
I am now going to occupy myself with 
those duties in the world to which thy 
providence hath called me. Give me the 
grace, that I may ever have before my mind 
thy patience in adversities, thy obedience 
to Mary and Joseph, and thy tender charity 
in bearing with all men. Strengthen me 
against all temptations ; preserve me from 
sin ; make me firm and immovable in the 
faith; in fine, transform me into thyself, O 
Jesus! so that thy heart and my heart may 
be united in one, both in time and eternity. 
Amen. 



THIRD METHOD. 



601 



fIDetbofc) of assisting at IRoty fIDass* 

By St. Leonard of Portu Mauritio. 

The holy fathers St. Chrysostom and St. 
Gregory teach, that as often as the holy 
sacrifice of the Mass is offered, the heavens 
are opened and the angelic hosts descend 
in great numbers to assist. We must, then, 
if we wish to participate fully in the great 
blessings of this awful mystery, approach 
holy Mass with such preparation, as if we 
were approaching Calvary, and assist at 
this tremendous sacrifice as if standing in 
the midst of the Angels before the throne 
of God. 

St. Thomas, the Angelic Doctor, enumer- 
ates four debts, which we owe to the divine 
Majesty: the first is the debt of adoration 
and praise; the second, of atonement; the 
third, of thanksgiving; the fourth, of im- 
petration. In a word: it is an obligation 
we have towards God to adore and praise 
him, to atone for our sins, to thank him, 
and to ask him for his grace. This obliga- 
tion is fully discharged through holy Mass. 
It is a sacrifice of adoration, atonement 
thanksgiving, and impetration. 

To discharge this fourfold indebtedness, 
divide the Mass into four parts : 



602 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



The first part extends from the beginning 
to the Gospel. Humble yourself with Jesus, 
and acknowledging your own unworthiness 
sincerely confess your depravity. Thus 
humbled interiorly, and with a composed 
and modest exterior say: 

u O my God! I adore thee; I acknowledge 
thee for my Lord and the master of my 
soul. I protest that whatsoever I am and 
what I possess, proceeds from thee. Thy 
supreme Majesty deserves infinite honor 
and homage. I, however, being a poor, 
miserable creature, utterly incapable of dis- 
charging the great indebtedness I owe to 
thee, offer to thee the humiliations and 
homage which Jesus presents to thee on 
the altar. What Jesus does, I also intend 
to do. I humbly prostrate myself with him 
before thy divine Majesty. I adore thee 
with the same humble sentiments which 
Jesus offers to thee. I am rejoiced and 
delighted because Jesus renders to thee, for 
me, infinite honor and homage. " 

Repeat many internal acts of this kind. 
It is not essential to adhere to the words, 
as given here: use such as your devotion 
will suggest. Oh! how fully would you 
discharge your indebtedness in this manner ! 

In the second part — from the Gospel to 
the Elevation — reflect on the enormity and 



THIRD METHOD. 



603 



multitude of your sins; you will perceive 
what an immense indebtedness you have 
incurred by them towards divine justice. 
Say with a contrite heart : 

"Behold, O my God! the traitor who has 
so often rebelled against thee. With a con- 
trite heart I abhor and detest my numerous 
offences; I offer for them the atonement, 
which Jesus presents to thee on the altar. 
I offer to thee all the merits of Jesus, the 
blood of Jesus, Jesus entire — God and 
Man, — as he is here sacrificed anew for me. 
And since Jesus himself becomes, on this 
altar, my mediator and advocate, and, in 
virtue of his most precious blood, claims 
pardon for me, I unite my prayer with the 
voice of his blood, shed for the love of me, 
and implore mercy for my manifold and 
grievous offenses. The blood of Jesus 
supplicates for mercy; my contrite heart 
implores the same. Should my tears not 
move thee, let at least the supplications of 
Jesus move thee to mercy. Why should 
he not obtain it for me, having obtained it 
for the entire human race upon the cross? 
I sincerely hope that for the sake of that 
precious blood thou wilt pardon my grievous 
sins, and I will continue to deplore them 
till my last breath.' 7 

Repeat such acts of contrition, and rest 



604 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



assured that you will thus completely dis- 
charge the indebtedness which you have 
incurred by so many grievous sins. 

In the third part — from the Elevation to 
the Communion — reflect on the great and 
manifold benefits, which you have received 
from God, and offer him in return a gift of 
infinite value: the Body and Blood of 
Christ. Invite all the Angels and Saints to 
join you in thanking God. Do this in the 
following or some similar manner: 

"0 most amiable God! I am completely 
overwhelmed with the benefits, general and 
particular, which thou hast bestowed upon 
me, and which thou wilt continue to bestow 
in time and eternity. I acknowledge that 
thy mercy towards me was and is infinite ; 
nevertheless I desire to repay thee fully. 
Therefore, as a tribute of my gratitude and 
in discharge of my indebtedness, I offer 
thee by the hands of the priest, this divine 
blood, this divine body of thy Son, a most 
guiltless victim. This oblation is all-suffi- 
cient to repay thee for all the graces thou 
hast conferred upon me; this gift of in- 
finite value is an equivalent for all the 
favors I have ever received, or continue to 
receive from thee. Oh, ye holy Angels and 
blessed Spirits ! assist me to thank my God; 
and in thanksgiving for his manifold bene- 



THIRD METHOD. 



605 



fits, offer to him not only this Mass but also 
all the Masses at this moment celebrated 
throughout the world, that his loving good- 
ness may be fully recompensed for all the 
graces he has bestowed, and is to bestow on 
me, now and for all eternity. Amen. 

Oh, how pleasing to our good Grod will 
be such an affectionate thanksgiving! This 
oblation, surpassing all other gifts and of 
infinite value, has greater efficacy than all 
other offerings. 

In the fourth part — from Communion to 
the end of Mass — confidently ask for divine 
graces, knowing that Jesus is united with 
you and prays and supplicates for you. 
Expand your heart, then, and ask not for 
trifles, but for great graces ; for great indeed 
is the sacrifice which you offer to the Father, 
the sacrifice of his divine Son. With a 
humble heart address him as follows : 

"Most gracious Grod ! I acknowledge that 
I am utterly unworthy of thy favors. I con- 
fess that, tor manifold and grievous offenses, 
I am not worthy to be heard ; but it is im- 
possible, that thou shouldst not listen to 
thy divine Son, who, on this altar, intercedes 
for me and offers for me his life, his blood. 
My most loving God ! Hear the praj^ers of 
this my advocate, and for his sake grant me 
all the graces which thou knowest to be 



606 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY MASS. 



necessary for me in the great work of my 
salvation. I am now encouraged to ask of 
thee a general pardon of all my sins, and 
the grace of perseverance. Trusting in the 
merits of my Jesus, I ask of thee, O Grod! 
all virtues in heroic degree and all efficacious 
helps necessary to make me a saint. I ask 
of thee the conversion of all sinners, especi- 
ally of those related to me. I implore thee 
to grant me and mine the spirit of prayer, 
that thou mayest henceforth dwell in our 
hearts as in a paradise, leading us from 
virtue to virtue on to perfection. Amen." 

Pray for yourself, pray for your relatives, 
pray for the whole Church. Pray with 
supreme, unbounded confidence, and rest 
assured that your prayer, in union with that 
of Jesus Christ, will be heard. 

Other prayers, suitable for the time of holy Mass, you 
will find from page 267 — 348. 



praters for Confession, 

prater for ($o&$ 1belp* 

0 almighty and most merciful God ! who 
hast made me out of nothing and redeemed 
me by the most precious blood of thy only 
Son; who hast, with so much patience, 
borne with me to this day, notwithstanding 
all my sins and ingratitude ; — behold, I now 
sincerely wish to leave my evil ways and to 
return to thee. I know that thou desirest 
not the death of a sinner, but that he may 
be converted and live. I know thy mercies 
are above all thy works, and I confidently 
hope, that as in thy mercy thou hast spared 
me so long, thou wilt also receive me now, 
when I am resolved to serve thee better. 

1 desire now to approach the holy sacra- 
ment of penance. I desire to confess my 
sins to thee and to thy priest, and therefore 
I desire to know myself and all that I have 
done against thee. O Grod! assist me in 
this great work. Enlighten me and let me 
see all my sins. Show me all the offences I 
have committed against thee, and the great 
evil I have brought thereby upon myself. 

(607) 



608 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



But, 0 Lord! what will it avail me to 
know my sins, if thou dost not also give 
me a hearty sorrow for them? With- 
out this sorrow, my sins will be all 
against me still, and I shall be still thine 
enemy and a child of hell. Thou insistest 
on a change of heart, and this change none 
but thyself can give. Grive it me, then, O 
dear Lord ! Give me a lively faith . and a firm 
hope in thy holy passion. Teach me to 
fear thee and to love thee. Give me a 
hearty contrition for having offended thee. 

Lastly, grant me, O Lord! the grace to 
make an entire confession of my sins ; and 
to tell them to the priest in all the sincerity 
of my heart. 

O blessed Virgin, mother of myEedeemer 
and my mother ! refuge of penitent sinners ! 
intercede for me that I may obtain the 
grace to make a good confession. 

St. Joseph! my holy Guardian Angel ! 
and all ye Angels and Saints! pray for me. 

Examination of Conscience. 

When did you make your last confession? Was it a 
good one ? Did you conceal a sin ? Did you perform 
the penance ? 

Have you since neglected your morning, evening, or 
meal prayers ? Often, or only a few times ? Have you 
been ashamed to perform your religious duties, when 
others saw you ? Did you say your prayers with will- 
ful distraction ? Did you do so often ? Did you neg- 



PBAYEKS FOE CONFESSION. 



609 



lect to think of God sometimes during the day ? Have 
you doubted any article of faith ? Have you exposed 
your faith to danger by going to Protestant churches ; 
reading Protestant books ; having company with a 
Protestant person ? 

Did you speak of God's holy name, or of holy things, 
without necessity, or devotion ? Have you cursed and 
sworn ? Have you broken your promises and vows ? 

Did you on Sundays and Holydays stay away from 
mass willfully, or did you come too late ? How often ? 
Did you laugh, talk, look around in church ? Did you 
spend Sundays in idleness, neglect afternoon's service, 
go to sinful parties ? 

Have you been disobedient and stubborn to your 
parents, teachers, priests ? Have you murmured against 
them, and disregarded their advice ? Did yon pray for 
your superiors ? 

{For Parents .) Have you neglected to have your chil- 
dren baptized soon after their birth ; to teach them their 
prayers, and to send them to school, catechism and 
church ? Have you given them a bad example by curs- 
ing, quarreling, or by speaking disrespectfully of 
priests, teachers, etc., in their presence ? Did you let 
them keep late hours, go to dangerous places, etc ? 
Have you done your duty to each other as husband and 
wife ? 

Have you been impatient or angry ? Frequently, or 
but a few times? Did you quarrel or fight with any 
one ? Did you make others angry, or lead them into 
other sins ? 

Did you willfully think or speak of immodest, bad 
and dirty things? How often? Did you do such things? 
Was it with yourself, or others ? Did you expose your- 
self to the danger of committing such sins by keeping 
bad company, or going to bad places ? How often ? 

Did you steal something ; or did you cheat or injure 
your neighbor in any way ? 

Did you tell lies ? Were they lies of excuse, or on 
your neighbor, perhaps priests or teachers ? Did you 
make known the hidden faults of your neighbor ? Did 
you think bad of your neighbor? 



610 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



Did you eat flesh-meat on a Friday, willfully ? 

Did you support your church and school ? 

Have you been proud and thought yourself better 
than others ? Have you been jealous ? Have you been 
slothful in your work ? 

Having examined your conscience, consider: 

1. What you have deserved by committing sin. If 
you committed but one grievous sin, and were to die in 
this sin, you would be damned forever. You have lost 
heaven and have made yourself guilty of the most terrible 
torments. And even if there should be no mortal guilt 
on your soul, remember what the poor souls have to 
suffer for but small faults. The same sufferings also, 
you have deserved by those sins which you scarcely 
mind. Then consider 

2. Whom you have offended by committing sin. 
You have offended God. God, who could let you die 
in your sins at this very moment, and condemn you to 
hell. God, who has given you, and gives 3-ou yet a 
multitude of blessings and graces. Finally, God, who 
is so great, so holy, so infinitely amiable, that nothing 
in heaven or on earth can be compared with him. 
And should it not grieve you, that you have offended 
such a great and such a good God ? — Finally 

3. Look up to the cross. There you see the Son of 
God hanging; one sore from head to foot; bleeding 
from innumerable wounds, suffering untold pains for 
the sins of men ; also for your sins. By this you may 
learn what a great evil sin must be, that even a God 
had to suffer for it such cruel torments ; but from the 
cross you may also learn what an unspeakably great 
love God had for you and all men, that he allowed him- 
self to be nailed to it. Therefore, love this God too ; 
and promise to do so in future ; and to serve him hence- 
forth more faithfully; tell him how sorry you are for 
having not loved, but even offended him, and humbly 
ask his forgiveness. 



PEAYEES FOE CONFESSION. 611 



prater for parboru 

0 divine Eedeemer ! humbly prostrate at 
the foot of thy cross, I call upon thee for 
pardon. 

Jesus, misjudged and dispised on account 
of our sins, have mercy on me! Jesus, 
calumniated and persecuted, have mercy on 
me ! Jesus, abandoned by men, have mercy 
on me! Jesus, betrayed and sold, have 
mercy on me! Jesus, insulted, accused 
and unjustly condemned, have mercy on 
me! Jesus, mocked and scoffed at, have 
mercy on me! Jesus, bound with cords 
and led through the streets, have mercy on 
me! Jesus, cruelly scourged, have mercy 
on me! Jesus, despoiled of thy garments, 
have mercy on me! Jesus, crowned with 
thorns and reviled, have mercy on me! 
Jesus, bearing the cross amid the maledic- 
tions of the people, have mercy on me! 
Jesus, bowed down by ignominies, pain and 
humiliations, have mercy on me! Jesus, 
crucified between thieves, have mercy on 
me! Jesus, dying for my sins amid all 
kinds of suffering, have mercy on me! 

Hct of Contrition* 

0 Jesus, 0 good Jesus! who didst suffer 
so much for me, who hast died for me, and 



612 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



shed the last drop of thy precious blood to 
blot out my sins, forgive me. 

I must confess, that I am guilty of many 
faults, offences and negligences. I have 
indeed served thee, O Grod! very indiffer- 
ently. I have often broken my good resolu- 
tions. I have been careless and distracted 
during prayer ; and I have omitted the per- 
formance of many good "works that I could 
have done. Who can enumerate all the 
sins I have committed? Is there a single 
commandment "which I have not trans- 
gressed? I have many a time injured my 
soul ; dishonored the image of God in me ; 
disregarded my holiest and most sacred 
duties. 

But now I am sorry, truly sorry for all 
this. I am sorry that I have offended thee, 

0 eternal Love! Oh, what have I done? I 
have lost heaven by my sins ; I have deserved 
hell ; and above all — I have grieved my best 
father, my greastest benefactor, the good 
Grod! O God! with the help of thy grace, 

1 will never offend thee again. Henceforth 
I will try and love thee above all things, 
and serve thee most faithfully. I will most 
carefully avoid everything that may lead 
me into sin. 0 Jesus! forgive me! Thou 
hast said to thy apostles, and in them to 
their successors — the bishops and priests: 



PEAYEKS FOR CONFESSION. 613 

"Whose sins you shall forgive, they are for- 
given them." I believe in these words, 
and therefore I am now going to confess my 
sins. Let me hear from the priest's lips 
the words: "Q-o in peace; thy sins are for- 
given thee." 

pious Bsptrations before Confession* 

My Lord and my Grod! I sincerely 
acknowledge myself a vile and wretched 
sinner, unworthy to appear in thy presence ; 
but do thou have mercy on me, and save 
me. 

Most loving Father ! I have sinned against 
heaven and before thee, and am unworthy 
to be called thy child ; make me as one of 
thy servants, and may I for the future be 
ever faithful to thee. 

It truly grieves me, 0 my Grod! to have 
sinned, and so many times transgressed thy 
law, but wash me now from my iniquity, 
and cleanse me from my sins. 

I detest my sins, O Lord! I abhor my 
wickedness; I confess my ingratitude, and 
seek refuge in thy mercy. 

From this moment, I purpose never more 
to offend thee. Oh, let me suffer all kinds 
of pain, rather than return to my former 
course of life and live thine enemy. 



614 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



0 loving Father! assist me by thy grace, 
that I may bring forth worthy fruits of 
penance. 

Now., 0 Lord! I begin to live, not trust- 
ing in my own strength, nor in the resolu- 
tions I make, but in the multitude of thy 
mercies. Perfect, 0 Lord! the "work which 
thou hast begun in me. 

Alas ! my soul is full of anguish and con- 
fusion at the recollection of the many sins 
whereby I have offended thee, my merciful 
Redeemer ! 

Oh, that I had never transgressed thy 
commandments, nor fallen into such an 
abyss of misery and calamity! Oh, that I 
had never sinned ! Happy those souls who 
have preserved their innocence ! Oh, that I 
had been so happy ! 

But now I am resolved, with the help of 
thy grace, to be more watchful over my- 
self; to amend my failings, and fulfill thy 
law. Look down on me with the eyes of 
mercy, 0 Ood! and blot out my sins. 

Forgive me what is past, and, through 
thine infinite goodness, secure me against 
all my wonted failings for the time to come. 

Thou hast declared, 0 Lord! that there 
is joy in heaved for the conversion of a 
sinner; grant me, then, the grace of true 



PBAYEES FOR CONFESSION. 615 

repentance, and let heaven rejoice at my 
amendment. 

Thou didst come, 0 blessed Redeemer! 
not to call the just, but sinners, to repent- 
ance ; behold a miserable sinner here before 
thee: Oh, draw me powerfully to thyself. 

Have mercy on me, O God! according to 
thy great mercy ; and according to the mul- 
titude of thy tender mercies, blot out my 
iniquities. Sprinkle me with thy precious 
blood, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Let not thy precious blood, my dear 
Saviour ! be shed for me in vain ; but may it 
now bring forth in me the fruit of sincere 
repentance, and open to me the way to life 
everlasting . Amen . 

UbanfcsQunnci after Confe5Sion. 

How great are thy mercies towards me, 
0 Lord! in having pardoned my sins after 
so many relapses! Thou mightest have 
condemned me a thousaud times and cast 
me into hell ; but thou hast had compassion 
on me. How can I thank thee worthily for 
thy infinite goodness and mercy ! 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all 
that is within me bless his holy name. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never for- 
get all he hath done for thee. 



516 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



Who forgiveth all thy iniquities; who 
healeth all thy diseases. 

Who hath not dealt with me according to 
my sins j nor rewarded me according to my 
iniquities. 

For as far as the East is from the West, 
so far hath he removed my iniquities from 
me. 

As a father hath compassion on his chil- 
dren ) so hath the Lord compassion on us. 

Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, bless the 
Lord. 

May the manhood of Jesus Christ, his 
holy life and actions, his holy virtues and 
prayers, his holy passion and death, his 
holy blood and tears, his holy wounds and 
pains, praise Grod for me. 

May the illustrious queen of heaven, the 
most chaste Virgin Mary, praise thee. 0 
Lord! for me; and with her, the countless 
number of angelic spirits who stand ever 
ready for thy Service. 

May the entire holy Church, all her holy 
sacraments, all her sacred ceremonies and 
usages, all her psalms and prayers, all her 
virtues and holiness, all her fervent desires, 
and the love she bears to thee, praise thee 
for me. 

I praise thee, 0 Lord! with all the powers 
of my body and soul; with all my veins and 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 617 

limbs , with all my bones and my blood, 
with all my desires, my will and my 
memory. 

Praise, honor and benediction be nnto 
thee, 0 Grod of my life! for thy infinite 
goodness in which thou hast cleansed me 
from my sins, and restored nnto me the 
peace of my soul. Amen. 

praper before saving tbe penance. 

I will now perform the penance which the 
priest, in thy name, O Lord! has imposed 
upon me in satisfaction for my sins. To 
increase the value of this small penance, I 
unite it with the bitter passion of our Lord; 
with all the sufferings of the blessed Virgin, 
and with all the penances which thy saints 
have ever offered up to thy holy name. Oh 
how ashamed must I feel, when considering 
what the faithful followers of Christ have 
done and suffered for their small transgres- 
sions, and how they have wiped them out 
with their tears, nay with their own blood! 
0 Jesus! give me the spirit of fortitude. 
Let me henceforth do also some penance 
for my many sins. Let me at least bear 
patiently and for the love of thee all the 
troubles of this life. And now give me the 
grace to say my penance with great devo- 
tion and compunction. 

{Here say the penance.) 



618 



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION. 



Concluding prater- 



How great was thy goodness, 0 Lord! in 
having pardoned my sins in holy confession. 
Mayest thou be praised for ever and ever. 
Oh, let this grace be added to the rest, that 
I may never offend thee again. This single 
favor I earnestly beg of thee, 0 Lord! viz: 
that I may for the future renounce my own 
way to follow thine. Help me, 0 Lord! 
and have compassion on my poor soul. 
How bitterly I shall bewail, at the moment 
of death, all the sins I committed against 
thee, and how much it will then grieve me 
that I have done so little for heaven. 
Henceforth I will try and do more for my 
poor soul. It is my firm resolution to be 
faithful to the holy promises which I have 
made in this confession. 0 God! assist me 
to keep them. 

Other suitable prayers for Confession , see on 'page 6j-Sg . 




praters for 1bol£ Com- 
munion, 

From St. Leonard of Port Maurice. 

Before boty Communion* 

act of faith. 

Awake, slumbering soul, to bless the 
Lord for all his mercies. Remember that 
thy God became man for thee ; and remem- 
ber that the same God who was born for 
thee, who lived thirty-three years for thee, 
who died for thee, and is now in heaven on 
his throne, is also really and truly present 
in the most holy Sacrament; nay, is now 
standing before the door of thy heart, 
therein to take his abode. 

Indeed, so it is, O my God! I believe it 
firmly, for thou hast said it. I believe 
firmly that in receiving the sacred Host, I 
will receive that very Jesus, who has 
redeemed the world. 

act of B&oratfon* 

0 my soul, what art thou doing! Yet a 
little while, and the God that made heaven 
(619) 



620 PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 

and earth will come to dwell within thee. 
0 Grod! what can I do, but most humbly 
adore thee! So come then, Mary, my 
tender mother; come all ye angels and 
saints, and help me to adore my Jesus. 
Obtain for me a lively faith, and a profound 
veneration for the sacrament I am about to 
receive. 

My soul, in a few moments the Lord of 
lords, the King of kings shall abide in thee. 
He comes to unite himself with thee. 
Awake then, and exult, 0 my heart! 

Let thy confidence grow stronger; and 
remember that thou art about to obtain the 
gratification of all thy most fervent desires. 
Jesus is almighty. He can give thee all 
thou needest. He opens his hands, and 
showers benedictions on all. He is to thee 
a loving Father, and desires to enrich thee. 
0 Jesus, do so! Give me thy graces, for 
without them I can do nothing; above all 
help me to prepare myself to receive thee 
to-day; teach me to love thee more and 
more and to place my hope in thee alone. 

Bet of 5Hope, 

0 Jesus, dearest hope of my soul! I rely 
on thy divine promises with unshaken con- 
fidence. I hope in thee with all the hope of 
my soul. I hope firmly that thou, whom I 



PKAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 621 

am about to receive , will sanctify my body 
and soul. So come then, my only hope; 
come and enrich me ! 

O my soul, what is there, that Grod has 
left undone to win thy confidence and love? 
Did he not, for thy sake, take flesh of the 
Virgin Mary? Was he not born for thee in 
a miserable stable? Did he not die for thy 
salvation on the cross? And — O miracle 
of love! — is he not present for thy consola- 
tion, in the holy Eucharist? There he in- 
vites thee now to the heavenly banquet to 
receive him; there he is about to bestow 
such blessings upon thee, as he never 
bestowed on the angels. He deigns, nay he 
desires to take up his abode in thee. — He, 
the almighty Grod, desires to be united with 
me! And thou, O my soul, wilt thou not 
give all thy love to that God, who loves 
thee so tenderly? 

Bet of %ove. 

0 Jesus ! center of my love, Grod of my 
heart ! how worthy art thou of my love, and 
of all the pure affections of my heart ! 0 
Grod ! I love thee with all the faculties of my 
soul. Thou art my Creator; thou art my 
Redeemer; thou art my Sanctifier; thou 
art my only Good. O Love! O Love! 0 
eternal Love! 0 that I could praise and 



622 PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 

bless, and love thee as the angels and saints 
do in heaven! 0 that I were able, even at 
the sacrifice of my life, to make all mankind 
praise, bless, love and adore thee! O God! 
inflame my love, that it may be "worthy of 
thee ! Teach me to love thee as thy blessed 
Mother has loved thee. I love thee, 0 
Jesus! but do thou, in thy goodness, so 
strengthen that love of mine, that it may 
never fall away from thee. Jesus! thou 
art my treasure, my life, my hope, my bliss. 
I love thee, because thou hast suffered and 
died for me. I love thee, for thou alone 
art worthy of my undivided love. My soul, 
God has created thee to love him ; give him, 
therefore, all thy love. 0 heart, thou 
knowest that there is no peace, happiness, 
or contentment without thy God. Sever, 
then, all earthly attachment; and hail the 
coming of the God of love, Mary, mother 
of pure love, pray that I may love my God 
with all my strength. 

Alas, my soul, hast thou not been the 
abode of indifference to God? Hast thou 
not often and often transgressed his laws? 
Hast thou not often despised his love, and 
grieved him? 0 my soul, now thnt thy God 
is about to visit thee in the sacrament of 
love and reconciliation, implore him to 
fripe out every stain of thy iniquity. 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 623 

Contrition. 

My loving Jesus! by my sins I have 
crowned thee with a crown of thorns; I 
have fastened thee to the cross; I have 
drenched thy lips with vinegar and gall ; I 
have thrust the spear into thy side ; I have 
caused thee to die. How could I be worthy 
to receive thee? But, my Grod! thou art 
infinite Goodness. For an act of true 
penance, for a hearty tear of contrition and 
love, thou forgivest all my sins, restorest me 
to thy favor, and makest me once more thy 
child. 0 in truth thou art my Grod ; in- 
finitely kind, infinitely great, faithful and 
loving. Ah, how great is thy goodness in 
giving thyself to me — a miserable sinner ! 
O that I had never offended thee ! O Jesus ! 
purify, with thy most precious blood, this 
sin-stained soul of mine, till it is made a fit 
tabernacle for thy Majesty. 

But, my soul, even if Grod, in his good- 
ness, should pardon thy sins, nay, even if 
thou wert one of the angels, thou wouldst 
never be worthy of receiving thy Grod. 
Consider who the Grod is, that is about to 
come to thee ! 

Bet of Ibumilits- 

0 Lord! thou art that Grod, before whom 
heaven and earth fade into nothingness. 



624 PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 

Oh, how unworthy then am I, to appear in 
thy sight ! Yet I hasten to receive thee, for 
this is thy will and command. Let the 
Seraphim, let the Saints, let the ever blessed 
Mary satisfy for my defects and want of 
devotion. O Lord! I am not worthy to 
love and receive thee, but thou deservest to 
be loved and received by me. 

Take, then, courage my soul. Go and 
meet thy bridegroom; hunger and thirst 
after him. Awake! Invite him with a 
burning love and an ardent desire. 

act of Desire* 

So come then, thou bread of Angels, and 
satisfy the cravings of my soul. Come, thou 
glowing furnace of charity, and inflame my 
soul with the fire of thy divine love. Come, 
divine shepherd, and guide me. Come, 
my hope, my life, my joy, and source of all 
my happiness. Come, thou comforter of 
the sorrowful ; thou solace and refreshment 
of the weary ! Come to me, O thou for whom 
the nations prayed, and the patriarchs 
sighed; the desired of ages, the joy of 
Angels, the delight of the Saints, the glory 
of heaven! Come, and delay not; come, 
and heal my miseries! Come, Jesus, come! 

Most holy Mary! behold, 1 am going to 
receive the body and blood, the soul and 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 625 

divinity of thy adorable Son. From thy 
blessed hands I would fain receive him. 
Present him to me as thou didst to the 
shepherds, and to the three holy kings. 0, 
obtain for me the grace to receive him 
worthily. 

Hfter Moly Communion, 

Behold, my cravings are appeased. Be- 
hold, all my longings are now satisfied. 
My Grod has deigned to visit me. Now 
Jesus abides in my heart. Now I can say 
with the apostle: I am no longer my own, 
but Christ ; I no longer live in myself but 
in Christ, and Christ lives in me. I belong 
entirely to Christ, and Christ is mine. Oh, 
infinite Groodness ! The Grod of heaven has 
passed the door of my lips, has come into 
my bosom, and taken up his abode in the 
heart of a creature so unworthy! 

My soul, of what art thou now thinking? 
Thou art now sanctified by the real presence 
of Jesus. Thou and thy Jesus are one. 
What a union! My soul, now, that thou art 
so intimately united to Jesus, wilt thou not 
address him? Awake then, be recollected, 
employ all thy faculties to adore him, and 
greet him thus : 

Welcome, beloved Jesus! I bless thee for 
having come to dwell within me. Oh, how 



626 PKAYEES FOB HOLY COMMUNION. 

it grieves me to think that thou art come to 
abide in a heart that has caused thee so 
much sorrow and affliction! 0 Lord! what 
dost thou discover in me, but a heart de- 
voted to the perishable things of this world! 
Wherefore, then, hast thou come to dwell 
in me! Let me, in the bitterness of self- 
reproach, say with St. Peter: "Depart from 
me, for I am a sinful man." Gro and reside 
within those sinless, loving 'souls who long 
for thy coming. But no, 0 my heavenly 
guest, depart not from me; for if I lose 
thee, I am lost. 0 God! thou art my chief 
hope, and I will not be separated from thee. 
I will clasp thee to my heart; and, oh, may 
I live and die in thy tender embrace ! Mary, 
my holy protectress, and all ye Angels and 
Saints, inspire me with love like your's, 
that I may welcome my Jesus, as I should. 

Bet of ITbanftsotYrtng. 

0 adorable Trinity, one God, most worthy 
of my love, I thank thee with my whole 
heart for having given Jesus to me, a poor 
sinner. And, oh, sweet Jesus, how can I 
ever thank thee sufficiently for having 
deigned to visit me ! O spotless Virgin ! O 
all ye blessed citizens of heaven ! O all ye 
souls glowing with purest love, enable me 
to thank my Lord incessantly for his infinite 



PEAYEES FOE HOLY COMMUNION. 627 



goodness. 0 God, to thee be thanksgiving, 
praise, adoration, and glory from all crea- 
tures through endless ages. 

Of what art thou thinking now, my soul! 
Art thou not a living temple, in which thy 
Redeemer dwells ! Dismiss then all idle and 
distracting thoughts : now is the propitious 
moment ; now is the time to petition for the 
graces which thou needest. The source of 
all grace now dwells within thee. O my 
soul, waste not a moment so precious. 
Thy God hath visited thee. He desires to 
enrich thee. Ask, therefore, and thou 
shalt receive. 

Hct of petition* 

My loving Lord ! since thou hast deigned 
to visit me that I may be enriched with thy 
graces ; and since thou hast commanded me 
to ask them of thee, listen to me now, I 
implore thee. Bestow on me, 0 Jesus, an 
increase of faith, hope, charity, and sorrow 
for my sins. Grant me humility, purity, 
patience and every other virtue; cleanse 
me of all my sins. Detach my heart from 
the perishable things of this world," and 
conform it to thy divine will. And, my 
dear Jesus! give, in thy goodness, the same 
graces to N. N. 0 my God! accept my 
humble petition. Now is the moment when 



628 PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 

thou wilt not deny thy graces even to the 
most unworthy, because it is not I alone 
that ask them, but thy divine Son Jesus 
unites with me in imploring them. 

Bet of ©blation, 

0 Jesus ! thou hast given thyself entirely 
to me ; and gratitude requires that I should 
give myself wholly to thee. Thou hast 
sanctified me by dwelling in me ; henceforth 
I will, with thy assistance, be entirely con- 
secrated to thee. My eyes which thou hast 
opened to the true light, shall be thine. 
My ears which have heard thy gentle imi- 
tation, shall be thine. And this tongue 
which has been touched by thy adorable 
body and blood, shall be thine for ever 
more. May all my senses be devoted to 
thy greater glory and honor; may they 
never again rebel against thy holy law. To 
thee I offer all that I am and have. 0 
Jesus ! confirm me now in thy holy grace : 
let me never lose it again, let me ever love 
and serve thee here on earth, so as to be 
happy with thee in heaven. Amen. 

praper. 

to which a Plenary I?idnlgence is attached. 
Remark. — You are now free from sin, my dear soul. 
Your sins have been forgiven in confession. Yet the 
temporal punishment due to your sins may not yet be 



PRAYERS FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 629 



forgiven. Perhaps the just God will make you suffer 
for them in purgatory for a long time. Yet there is a 
means by which you can also have that punishment 
remitted to you, viz: by prayer, good works, etc.; and 
especially by gaining indulgences. Be, therefore, very 
zealous in gaining indulgences, thus to satisfy for your 
many sins ; and offer them up also for the poor souls, 
thereby to shorten their immense sufferings. To gain 
a full remission of the punishment due to your sins, 
viz : a plenary indulgence, it is generally necessary, to 
receive the holy sacraments, to be heartily sorry for the 
sins committed, and to pray a while in church according 
to the intention of the Pope. Recite then, before the 
crucifix of the altar, or any other crucifix, the following 
prayer, and afterwards say five Our Fathers and Hail 
Marys, or the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, or any 
other prayer, according to the intention of the Pope. 

Look down upon me, good 
and gentle Jesus! while be- 
fore thy face I humbly kneel, 
and with burning soul pray 
and beseech thee to fix deep 
in my heart lively sentiments 
of faith, hope and charity, 
true contrition for my sins, 
and a firm purpose of amend- 
ment ; the while I contem- 
plate with great love and tender pity thy 
five wounds meditating upon them within 
me, whilst I call to mind the words which 
David, the prophet, said of thee, my Jesus: 
"They pierced my hands and my feet; they 
numbered all my bones. " (Ps. XXI. 17, 18). 




